Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about a holiday. If you’re on a budget and don’t have many holiday days left, there are plenty of UK staycation options to consider. Whether you want to head to the beach, to the countryside, or to a city, you don’t have to leave Britain to have a great weekend break (providing the rain holds off).
Ahead, we’ve compiled 12 amazing staycations right here in the UK, from the Cotswolds to the Lake District. And don’t worry: You can eventually hit up all of them.
Soho Farmhouse, near Chipping Norton
The Cotswolds are a short train ride or drive from London and offer a countryside experience without venturing too far from the city for the weekend. The Soho Farmhouse, run by Soho House, is the perfect place to take in the fresh air and relax. You can book a room or cabin even if you aren’t a member and the sprawling property has bars, restaurants and an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, as well as a cinema and spa. Head into Chipping Norton or cruise to one of the many small towns around Oxfordshire (Bourton-on-the-Water is especially quaint) to get a full sense of Cotswold charm.
Photo: Courtesy of Soho Farmhouse.
St Denys Hotel, York
If your idea of a good staycation involves a little history lesson, book a train to York. It’s small enough to feel like a vacation but still has all the amenities and bustle of a city. The St Denys Hotel York, a centrally located boutique hotel, is affordable and cool, offering free breakfast, a library and a garden area where you can hang out. Stroll along the city’s Medieval walls or visit the ancient Clifford’s Tower for panoramic views, and then pull up a stool at Trembling Madness, which has a huge selection of beer and a solid pub menu with local eats. York is popular among tourists, which shouldn’t deter you – the city feels like a legit getaway, even if it’s only for a few days.
Photo: Via @travel_mom_teacher.
Artist Residence, Brighton
Brighton is an often-visited beach option, especially since it’s easily accessible from London and Southern England. Artist Residence is a hip boutique hotel in Regency Square perfect for your visit. The rooms are chic and arty, offering sea views from and easy access to the hotel’s own bar, the Cocktail Shack. Don’t spend the whole day in your hotel, though: Brighton is best known for its waterfront, so you can head down toward the Brighton Pier for games and sightseeing. There's also great vintage shopping over on North Laine. Beware before you venture into the freezing cold water this late in the year – unless you’re very brave or own a wetsuit.
Photo: Courtesy of Artist Residence.
The Forest Side, Lake District
If your idea of a great weekend away involves peace, quiet and a massive gothic mansion, then The Forest Side, located in Grasmere, is an ideal pick. The rooms are chic and subtly ornate, and the hotel has plenty of places to hang out, both indoors and out. It also gives you good access to the rest of the Lake District, where you can hike, rent bicycles or explore the shops in Grasmere (look for its famous gingerbread store). The Lake District, located up North, is considered one of England’s must-see areas and after your staycation there you’ll understand why.
Photo: Via @the_forest_side.
The Gainsborough, Bath Spa
If you’ve never been to Bath, known for its Roman-era baths and local hot springs, it’s worth a trip. Base yourself at The Gainsborough, which has a massive spa courtesy of the city’s natural thermal waters. The rooms are posh and filled with cool amenities like a complimentary mini bar. From there you can explore the city’s history and architecture (check out Bath Abbey and the ruins of the Roman baths), and experience its lively nightlife. For drinks, head to cocktail bar Sub13, which has a late-night club open until 3am and a champagne bar in the garden. Just don’t blame us when you’re hungover on the train ride home.
Photo: Via @mariella_frostrup.
Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch
London can make for a great staycation, whether you live there already or want to spend a weekend in the city. Instead of booking a hotel in one of the more touristy areas, base your stay in Shoreditch at the newly opened Courthouse Hotel. The surrounding area has tons of hip food and drink options, but head a little farther east to Satan's Whiskers, a laid back cocktail bar in Bethnal Green. London isn’t necessarily well-known for its sushi, but Brilliant Corners, a walk from the hotel, combines raw fish with a nightclub vibe (there’s a live DJ). A great weekend away from home.
shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com
Photo: Via @thenudgelondon.
Cary Arms, South Devon
On your next weekend away head southwest to Devon, where you can book a stay at Cary Arms, a cool, beachside bed and breakfast and spa along Babbacombe Beach. The hotel, which looks like it belongs in Cape Cod, is a sprawling property with cosy rooms that look out over the water from a balcony or patio. Indulge at the spa and grab a drink at the hotel’s own bar. If the weather is nice, visit the beaches around Babbacombe, or you can head out to explore the surrounding towns of Brixham and Darmouth. Be sure to grab some local fish and chips and an ice cream before you settle back into your room. Although we won’t judge you if spend the entire weekend wrapped in a blanket, staring at the sea and leaving all your troubles behind.
Photo: Via @marks_rebecca.
The Reading Rooms, Margate
The Reading Rooms are a boutique bed and breakfast in Margate, which is located along the sea in Kent. The luxury hotel, made up of only three rooms, is unique and intimate, and only a five minute walk from the beach. Visit Botany Bay, even if its too cold to swim, and, when the tide is out, check out the sea caves in Kingsgate. For dinner, head into town to The Ambrette, a memorable Indian-inspired restaurant that has a Michelin star. Your visit to Kent shouldn’t involve much more: Walk on the beach, lay in bed and try to forget about the fact that you’ll eventually have to go back to work.
Photo: Via @therrmargate.
Crug Glas, North Pembrokeshire, Wales
Sometimes you literally want to get away from it all. You can do exactly that at Crug Glas, a country house on 600 acres of land in Pembrokeshire that is easily accessible to several nearby beaches. The rooms are ridiculously luxurious (book one with a copper bathtub) and the onsite restaurant offers high-end fare that always includes local farm vegetables. You can explore the surrounding countryside by foot or bike, and be sure to visit St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. You won’t want to leave, but that’s okay because now you know and you can come back for your next staycation.
Photo: Courtesy of Crug Glas.
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, Dorset
When you want to retreat to the coast in the fall it can be hard to pick the right spot. If Dorset feels right for you, try the Christchurch Harbor Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort that features freestanding bathtubs, harbour views and the sense that you are far away from the stress of life. The hotel is located in Christchurch Harbour, which is near the central area of Christchurch. There are ferryboats that will take you to adjacent towns if you want to explore the area or you can take a spot at The Boathouse, a cool and casual restaurant in Christchurch Quay. End your night there at the restaurant’s Chandelier Bar. There’s a laid back, easy vibe when you’re by the sea and that translates here. Don't forget to visit the hotel’s spa, either, which has special offers on for autumn.
christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk
Photo: Courtesy of Christchurch Harbor Hotel & Spa.
The Manor at Sway, New Forest National Park
A UK staycation wouldn’t be complete without a proper country house hotel. The Manor at Sway, set in New Forest National Park, is an Edwardian mansion with chic, individually designed hotels rooms where you can settle in for a few days away. There’s a dining room that serves up seasonal fare (as well as afternoon tea, if you’re in the mood), or you can journey to the nearby town of Lymington for a pub visit. Even as the temperature drops, the area is fun to explore on bicycle, which the hotel can arrange, or you can set up a horse riding excursion through the forest. So turn off your mobile and give in to the country vibe, which shouldn’t be hard when you see where you’re staying.
Photo: Via @themanoratsway.
The George Hotel, Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a great city for a quick weekend away, especially if you live in the North. Once there, you should grab a room at The George Hotel, an elegant yet affordable spot located in the New Town area of the city. Pay a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, which has a huge selection of Scottish and modern and contemporary artworks, and hike to the nearby Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. Of course, you’re in Scotland, so you’ll need to drink some whisky. Go to The Black Cat, a cool pub with a big selection of Scottish whisky (as well as live music a few days a week). Edinburgh is great for a short trip, but if you have more days off extend your stay beyond the weekend. It’ll be worth it.
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