Why staycations should be here to stay | SpaSeekers

Why staycations could be here to stay

Choosing a holiday or short break in your home country (a “staycation”) instead of heading abroad has become increasingly popular. The international travel bans brought in to help control the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with the pent-up demand for a break following the national lockdowns gave staycations a real boost. And even though (at the time of writing, at least) international travel is once again an option, it seems our love of UK staycations might be here for the long haul.

In this guide, we take a closer look at the best UK staycations to bring you some inspiration for your next getaway. So, put away that passport and join us in exploring the fantastic destinations right on our doorstep.

Staycations could be the perfect solution for your next getaway

Sleepy early morning runs to the airport; stringent baggage limits; getting that all-important negative Covid-19 test; and risking your destination country going on the dreaded ‘red list’ while you’re enjoying your holiday…choose a UK staycation and you can avoid all that hassle! Indeed, a domestic getaway brings freedom and an element of certainty to your travels.

Whatever the occasion or budget, there will be a perfect staycation for you. Whether you’re planning a last-minute romantic break or a longer summer holiday, the UK boasts a diverse landscape, with characterful areas that can make you feel at home while discovering something new. You can cross borders and soak up unique cultures, all without leaving the country.

So, load up the car or hop on a train and head off to discover exciting cities, stunning coastline and breath-taking countryside, all without the stresses and uncertainties of international travel.

Staycations can provide everything that overseas destinations offer

To highlight just what’s available across the UK for your next staycation, we’ve selected five great destinations that offer a similar experience to a popular overseas travel location.

Lake District (for the Italian Lakes)

If you’re charmed by the idea of a romantic break to the Italian lakes, then cumbria might just be the perfect staycation alternative. the stunning lake district is a popular destination for tourists looking for outstanding world-class natural beauty. while italy boasts lakes como, garda, orta and maggiore, among others, in cumbria you can explore the likes of lake windermere, coniston water, derwentwater and bassenthwaite lake. just as italy’s lake regions are also home to awe-inspiring countryside and picture-perfect towns and villages, so too is the lake district, only without the need to step on a plane to get there! if you want to explore the lakes, you might prefer to travel by car. however, the lake district is also served by trains, with a mainline station at windermere.

London (for New York)

We’d all love to spend an exciting long weekend in New York, with its fantastic shopping, sightseeing, shows and dining. But if you don’t mind swapping yellow taxis for black cabs and the subway for the Tube, london might just offer everything you want, and all an easy train ride away. while the big apple is home to broadway, london’s west end also features world-renowned theatre. likewise, kensington offers a fifth avenue shopping experience, and you can trade central park for one of london’s wonderful open spaces, such as hyde park. when it comes to travel, london is extremely well served by public transport. so, not only can you avoid the airport, but you can also leave the car behind.

Edinburgh (for Barcelona)

Barcelona may be one of the world’s great coastal cities. However, if you want to enjoy beautiful architecture, rich cultural highlights and a lovely beach, Scotland’s capital offers a wonderful UK-based alternative. Trade the bustling Ramblas for the historic Royal Mile, the imposing La Sagrada Familia for the equally grand Edinburgh Castle, and the characterful Gothic Quarter for the charming Old Town. While Catalonia’s capital boasts the seaside community of La Barceloneta, edinburgh has the vibrant port area of leith and delightful portobello beach, both within easy reach of the city. travel here easily with regular cross-country train services to and from edinburgh waverley station.

South Devon (for the French Riviera)

Who needs the French Riviera when you can enjoy the English one! Indeed, south devon and the whole of south-west england remain popular staycation destinations for anyone looking for sandy beaches, sweeping countryside and picturesque towns. swap the glamour of the côte d'azur for the 22-mile stretch of majestic coastline that extends through traditional seaside resorts, charming villages, and rocky coves. while we can’t promise french riviera weather, the south-west does boast climes that are generally warmer than the rest of the uk! the car is your best bet for exploring the region. however, you can travel here by train into hubs such as torbay.

Bath (for Prague, Vienna and Budapest)

Grand European cities such as Prague, Vienna and Budapest have become firm favourites for UK travellers looking for a chic short break. However, you can find similar charm and elegance in abundance in the city of bath on the river avon. from stunning georgian architecture to historical sites, such as the roman baths and bath abbey, this popular tourist city is more than a match for its continental counterparts. wander along clean, well-kept streets, discover beautiful open spaces, and linger in one of the many independent cafes and restaurants. bath is well-served by trains to and from bath spa station, while the city is compact and easy to explore on foot. with the cosmopolitan city of bristol just 15 minutes away by train, you could also turn your escape to bath into a twin-centre staycation.

Enjoy the best UK staycations with SpaSeekers

Why not add some spa luxury to your next UK staycation? We feature a fantastic selection of spa hotels in some of the most popular getaway destinations, so you can enjoy pampering treatments and some well-deserved downtime as part of your UK travels.

Lake District: Boasting a glorious position on Lake Windermere, Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for a Lake District staycation. The amenities of Windermere town are right on your doorstep, as is the train station. The hotel features a lovely lakeside restaurant and a superb spa. Book now.

London: Roseate House London, one of our exclusive luxury spa hotels, is an excellent choice for your city staycation. Well-located in Paddington, near to Tube links, Hyde Park and Kensington, this upmarket restored 19th-century townhouse hotel offers stylish accommodation and a serene spa. Book now.

Edinburgh: Just steps from Holyrood Park and the Royal Mile, Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Old Town offers a superb central base for your Scottish staycation. The modern spa hotel is within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley and features comfortable rooms and a tranquil spa. Book now.

South Devon: Enjoying a spectacular cliff-top position, The Imperial Hotel Torquay offers dramatic views of the stunning English Riviera. This lovely Victorian hotel is a short walk from the town centre and offers easy access to the South West Coast Path. The restful spa provides the perfect backdrop for some staycation relaxation. Book now.

Bath: Experience the very best of Bath at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, another of our luxury spa hotels. Set in a beautiful Georgian crescent that overlooks lovely Royal Victoria Park, the refined hotel offers a serene retreat from the city, which is an easy stroll away. Relax in elegant surroundings that include a charming spa garden. Book now.