Coming Home: Why Britain's Staycation Revolution is More Than Just a Trend

Remember when the word ‘holiday’ automatically meant packing your passport and heading for the airport? For decades, the British holiday was synonymous with a flight to sunnier climes. But in recent years, and particularly since the seismic shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a quiet revolution has been taking place. We’ve been falling back in love with our own backyard. The ‘staycation’ is no longer a second-best option; it’s a conscious, joyful choice, and it’s transforming how we think about travel. It’s a movement born from a collective desire for simplicity, authenticity, and a deeper connection with the places we call home.

This isn’t just a fleeting trend. In 2024, a staggering 91% of UK adults said they intended to book at least one holiday at home during the next 12 months. The reasons are as varied as the British weather itself. The cost of living crisis has made the expense of international travel a significant barrier for many. The post-Brexit exchange rate has made the Eurozone more expensive. And let’s not forget the lingering memory of airport chaos, cancelled flights, and the general hassle that now seems to accompany a trip abroad. A staycation, by contrast, offers a blissful simplicity: pack up the car, and you’re off. There are no frantic searches for passports, no stressful weigh-ins at the check-in desk, and no hours spent in departure lounges. The holiday begins the moment you close your front door.

But this shift is about more than just convenience and cost. The pandemic forced us to look inwards, to explore the landscapes on our doorstep, and what we found was a revelation. We discovered that the UK is a treasure trove of world-class destinations, from the wild, romantic coastlines of Cornwall to the epic, cinematic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. We realised that you don’t need to cross an ocean to find adventure, beauty, or that precious sense of escape. In fact, embracing the unpredictability of a British summer can add a whole new dimension to a holiday. A sudden downpour on a coastal walk isn’t a disaster; it’s an excuse to dash into a cosy pub, cheeks glowing, for a pint and a plate of fish and chips. A dramatic, stormy sky over a Welsh mountain can be just as awe-inspiring as a Mediterranean sunset, creating a powerful, shared experience and a story you’ll tell for years. It’s in these unscripted moments – the shared laughter while sheltering from a shower, the quiet contemplation of a misty loch – that the real magic of a staycation is found. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with a partner, reconnecting away from the pressures of daily life, or to forge stronger bonds with family through shared adventures.

So, if you’re ready to rediscover the magic of the Great British Getaway, where should you start? We’ve curated our TOP 10 UK staycation destinations, a journey through the very best of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking for fun, your next great holiday is closer than you think.

Our TOP 10 UK Staycation Destinations

1. The Lake District, Cumbria, England

Why it’s great: For lovers of the great outdoors, the Lake District is paradise. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking landscape of shimmering lakes, soaring mountains (or ‘fells’), and impossibly green valleys. It’s a place that has inspired poets and artists for centuries, and it’s guaranteed to inspire you too. For solo travellers, it offers solitude and space for reflection on a quiet hike. For groups, it’s an adventure playground, with opportunities for everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to rock climbing and ghyll scrambling.

Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, romantic getaways, families.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for the best weather, but the autumn colours are spectacular.

Don’t Miss: A boat trip on Windermere, hiking up Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak), visiting Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top house, and exploring the charming towns of Ambleside and Grasmere.

Local Flavour: You can’t leave without trying Cumberland sausage, a hearty slice of Grasmere Gingerbread, and a piece of the famous Kendal Mint Cake for energy on the fells.

2. Cornwall, England

Why it’s great: With over 300 beaches, a ruggedly beautiful coastal path, and a creative, bohemian spirit, Cornwall is the UK’s answer to a surf-and-sun getaway. From the artsy hub of St Ives to the wild drama of the Lizard Peninsula, it’s a county of incredible diversity. Solo travellers can find their bliss on a quiet coastal walk or by joining a surf school, while groups will love renting a large holiday cottage and spending long days on the beach together.

Best for: Beach lovers, surfers, families, art enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit: June to September for the warmest weather, but May and October offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds.

Don’t Miss: Learning to surf in Newquay, exploring the Eden Project’s giant biomes, catching a show at the clifftop Minack Theatre, and walking to St Michael’s Mount at low tide.

Local Flavour: A proper Cornish pasty is non-negotiable. Follow it up with a cream tea (jam first, then cream!) and some fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

3. York, England

Why it’s great: To walk through York is to walk through 2,000 years of history. From Roman foundations and Viking streets to its magnificent medieval Minster, this is a city that wears its past with pride. It’s compact, incredibly charming, and packed with world-class attractions. It’s a perfect destination for a solo traveller, with its safe, walkable streets and endless museums to explore. For groups, the city’s many historic pubs and ghost tours offer plenty of evening entertainment.

Best for: History buffs, couples, city breakers.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the Christmas markets in December are particularly magical.

Don’t Miss: Climbing the Central Tower of York Minster for panoramic views, getting lost in the medieval maze of The Shambles, exploring the York Castle Museum, and walking the ancient city walls.

Local Flavour: A classic Sunday roast with a giant Yorkshire pudding, proper fish and chips, and a pint of local ale in a historic pub.

4. The Cotswolds, England

Why it’s great: If you have a picture-postcard image of quintessential England in your mind, it probably looks like the Cotswolds. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a dreamy landscape of rolling green hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and meandering rivers. It’s the perfect place to slow down and simply ‘be’. For couples, it’s the ultimate romantic escape. For solo travellers, it’s a chance to unwind with a good book in a cosy tea room or on a peaceful country walk.

Best for: Romantic escapes, countryside walks, antique shopping.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and blooming gardens, but autumn offers beautiful colours and cosy pub fires.

Don’t Miss: Visiting the impossibly pretty villages of Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, climbing Broadway Tower for incredible views, and exploring the many antique shops and art galleries.

Local Flavour: Indulge in farm-to-table dining at a gastropub, sample local cheeses like Single and Double Gloucester, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

5. Brighton, England

Why it’s great: Brighton is more than just a seaside town; it’s a vibrant, free-spirited city with a personality all its own. With its iconic pier, pebble beach, and labyrinthine shopping streets, it’s a place of endless fun and discovery. It’s a fantastic destination for a group of friends, with its buzzing nightlife and eclectic festivals. Solo travellers will love the city’s welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and the endless opportunities for people-watching from a seafront cafe.

Best for: City breaks, nightlife, LGBTQ+ travellers, creative souls.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the summer months are when the city truly comes alive.

Don’t Miss: The fantastical Royal Pavilion, the thrill of the rides on Brighton Pier, shopping for treasures in The Lanes, and simply people-watching on the seafront.

Local Flavour: Freshly caught seafood from a beachside stall, a classic stick of Brighton rock, and exploring the city’s incredible array of independent cafes and international restaurants.

6. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Why it’s great: Prepare for your jaw to drop. The Isle of Skye is a place of epic, cinematic beauty. Its landscapes are so dramatic and otherworldly, they’ve been the star of countless films. It’s a place for adventure, for wild walks, and for feeling humbled by the power of nature. For the solo traveller, it’s a place to challenge yourself against the elements and find a profound sense of peace. For groups, it’s a shared adventure, a road trip of a lifetime, with every bend in the road revealing a new, breathtaking vista.

Best for: Hikers, photographers, adventure seekers, road trippers.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for the longest days and best chance of good weather (though always be prepared for rain!).

Don’t Miss: The magical Fairy Pools, the iconic Old Man of Storr rock formation, the dramatic Quiraing landslip, and the breathtaking views from Neist Point Lighthouse.

Local Flavour: Freshly caught Scottish salmon, a dram of local Talisker whisky, and a hearty portion of haggis, neeps, and tatties.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Why it’s great: Edinburgh is a city of two halves: the medieval Old Town, with its winding alleys and historic pubs, and the elegant Georgian New Town. Presided over by its magnificent castle, it’s a city steeped in history, culture, and creativity, especially during the world-famous August festivals. It’s a city that caters perfectly to both solo travellers, with its many museums and galleries, and groups, with its lively pubs, world-class restaurants, and vibrant festival scene.

Best for: Culture vultures, history lovers, festival-goers.

Best Time to Visit: August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but the city is captivating year-round.

Don’t Miss: Exploring Edinburgh Castle, walking the Royal Mile, hiking up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views, and delving into the city’s spooky past on a ghost tour.

Local Flavour: Try haggis if you dare, enjoy some delicious shortbread, and warm up with a tasting tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

8. Snowdonia (Eryri), Wales

Why it’s great: Snowdonia National Park is a rugged playground for adventurers. Home to the highest mountain in Wales and England, it’s a land of dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and a rich Welsh culture. Whether you want to climb a mountain, fly on the world’s fastest zip line, or explore ancient castles, Snowdonia delivers. For groups, the adventure activities on offer provide an unbeatable bonding experience. For solo travellers, the mountains offer a chance for quiet contemplation and a powerful sense of achievement.

Best for: Adventure lovers, hikers, families, cultural explorers.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for the best hiking weather.

Don’t Miss: Conquering Mount Snowdon (either on foot or by train!), flying through the air at Zip World, exploring the magnificent Caernarfon Castle, and learning about the area’s industrial past at the National Slate Museum.

Local Flavour: A comforting bowl of lamb cawl (a traditional Welsh soup), a sweet Welsh cake, and a slice of bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf).

9. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

Why it’s great: This is Britain’s only coastal National Park, and it’s a stunner. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches for 186 miles, taking in some of the most beautiful beaches, cliffs, and harbours you’ll ever see. It’s a place of peace, beauty, and abundant wildlife. It’s an ideal destination for a solo traveller seeking solitude and stunning scenery on the coast path, while families and groups will love the endless sandy beaches and opportunities for rock-pooling and coasteering.

Best for: Walkers, beach lovers, wildlife watchers, families.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for the best weather and to see puffins (until late July).

Don’t Miss: Walking a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, discovering the stunning Barafundle Bay, visiting the tiny city of St Davids with its magnificent cathedral, and taking a boat trip to see puffins and seals.

Local Flavour: Freshly caught seafood, particularly crab and lobster, and trying the unique Welsh delicacy of laverbread (seaweed).

10. Giant’s Causeway & Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Why it’s great: This stretch of coastline is so spectacular, it feels like it belongs in a fantasy epic (and indeed, it’s a key filming location for Game of Thrones). The star of the show is the Giant’s Causeway, a mind-boggling landscape of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, but the entire coastline is a string of dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. For groups, a road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route is an unforgettable experience. For the solo traveller, the dramatic landscapes and ancient myths provide endless inspiration and a deep sense of connection to this legendary land.

Best for: Scenery lovers, photographers, Game of Thrones fans.

Best Time to Visit: May to September for the warmest and driest weather.

Don’t Miss: Walking across the stones of the Giant’s Causeway, braving the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, exploring the romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle, and visiting the Dark Hedges.

Local Flavour: A hearty Ulster Fry for breakfast, a comforting bowl of seafood chowder, and a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub.

The Great British Getaway is more than just a holiday; it’s a rediscovery. It’s about finding the extraordinary in the familiar, supporting local communities, and creating memories that are just as precious as any from a far-flung shore. It’s about realising that the perfect escape might not be a plane ride away, but just a train journey or a car drive from your own front door. So, next time you’re planning a break, why not look a little closer to home? Adventure is waiting.

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