This past year has meant the majority of us have spent more time at home than we ever have before. Staying local has meant we’ve all discovered more of what’s on our doorstep and plenty of England staycation ideas for our next domestic trip.
Traditionally, we don’t tend to explore our local areas, and for some, even the country we live in. When it comes to that annual holiday or cheeky weekend away, most Brits favour grabbing the passport and heading to the airport. But with the changes in global travel, and with the new enthusiasm for the country we live in, many are choosing to consider England staycation ideas and deciding to explore what their own country has to offer.
England is a stunning part of the UK. With traditional quintessential villages, rolling countryside, rugged mountains, and buzzing cities, there is so much to see and do. Not to mention some of the most stunning coastlines.
Here are some of the reasons to have a staycation in England:
- Stunning coastlines
- Some of the best cities in the world
- Variety of attractions to choose from
- Iconic historical locations
- Walking and hiking trails ready for explorations
- Caves and other adventurous activities to suit all ages
The British holiday is making a huge comeback. So if you are planning your future England staycation, then you may be looking for some inspiration. With that in mind, here are some of the best staycations in England.
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Top England Staycation Ideas
Bristol
Bristol is a great option for a city break in England if you’re looking for a weekend escape.
As well as being a beautiful and colourful city to explore, there are plenty of museums, galleries and attractions to visit.
Brunei’s famous SS Great Britain is an amazing attraction to visit as well as the other museums and galleries on Spike Island.
Don’t miss the Clifton Suspension Bridge and park area which also isn’t far from Bristol Zoo Gardens.
There are also loads of great independent restaurants, local businesses and vintage stores.
You’re also close to Bath and on the doorstep of the Cotswolds if you want to explore further afield.
London
One of the obvious places to mention is the capital of England, London. A bustling city that is full of exciting things to see and do.
Of course there are some major attractions to take in here including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The Tower Bridge, and The Tower Of London. However, there is so much more to London than the big tourist attractions.
Check out the food stalls at Borough Market. Then head up to the Sky Garden for incredible free views of the capital and the famous Shard. Click here to book your free Sky Garden ticket.
Don’t miss exploring Portobello Market to pick up a few vintage gems or explore the quirky-cool area of Camden.
There are some fun family attractions in London too, such as Madame Tussauds, The London Eye, and The British Museum.
London really is a vibrant city, full of shops, bars, and restaurants as well as the West End where you can catch some of the most iconic theatre productions. London is a place that isn’t just for friends and couples, families can enjoy it as well and there are plenty of things to do that will cater to young hearts and imaginations. An ideal destination for everyone when you’re planning England staycation ideas.
The Lake District
One of the most popular locations for a staycation has to be The Lake District. The Lake District is in Northern England, based in the county of Cumbria, the perfect place for you, your partner or the family to enjoy an England getaway in the countryside.
Here you will find amazing market towns such as Kendal and Windermere. But it is the expansive lakes, the country walks, and getting up close with nature that draws people back year after year. Whether you choose to put on your walking boots and head up Rossett Pike, or you prefer to be out on the water enjoying a boat trip on Lake Windermere or some other kind of water sport, The Lakes has something for everyone.
Not only that, but you could also camp here as well as stay in boutique hotels. Giving you plenty of scope to decide how you want to spend your holiday.
Find out more things to do in the Lake District on your trip.
The Cotswolds
Another place perfect for people who want to be more in the countryside is The Cotswolds. This area covers 800 square miles across five counties which are Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.
One of the highlights of visiting The Cotswolds is the chance to explore many different locations and experience the world-famous quintessential rolling hills of England and quaint villages during your holiday.
The Cotswolds are also the perfect place for camping as well as road trips, so you can get the most out of your holiday and explore this beautiful part of England at your own pace.
Here you will find medieval castles to explore, plenty of walking or cycling trails to discover, as well as bustling market towns filled with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. Some of the best places in the Cotswolds to add to your list include:
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- The Slaughters
- Castle Combe
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Cheltenham
- Cirencester
- Tewkesbury
To keep costs down, you could choose to stay in one of the bigger cities surrounding the Cotswolds, such as Bath or Oxford. Here you’ll find a wider range of hotel options to suit your budget.
To get the most out of your trip, you might also be interested in these articles:
How to spend one day in the Cotswolds
Cornwall
If you are hoping for a coastal holiday then Cornwall in the South West could be the place for you. With many coastlines suitable for water sports, relaxing beach escapes, surfing, coastal walks and family fun, it is hard not to fall in love with beautiful Cornwall.
Highlights include St. Ives and Padstow, but don’t miss the smaller fishing villages like Polperro and Mousehole. But there really are countless stunning locations in Cornwall that it is hard to just pick out one.
When it comes to accommodation, Cornwall has some incredible options including camping and glamping, as well as caravan parks and hotels. You could even rent a cottage close to the coast or stay in neighbouring Plymouth in Devon to keep costs down!
It doesn’t matter whether you want a quiet and relaxing England staycation or something with plenty to do and loads going on, Cornwall has some amazing locations and it is the perfect option for your southwest England staycation by the beach and traditional seaside escape.
Liverpool
Heading to the North West of England once more and Liverpool is another vibrant city worthy of a visit if you are looking for an England city break staycation.
It has a rich maritime history which is evident in some of the locations and things to do, including a walk around the Albert Dock where you can find cafes, restaurants, and museums. The city itself is on the estuary, so you do get that coastal feel and the fresh breeze. If you want to check out the city from a different perspective, you can take a ferry across the waters.
Liverpool also has a fantastic shopping hub known as Liverpool One, where you will find a mix of high street shops and designer boutiques.
Lastly, it’s impossible to mention Liverpool without mentioning the famous England band, The Beatles, and there are many references to them throughout the city with things to do. If you’re a fan, don’t miss visiting The Cavern Club which is filled with memorabilia as well as offering live music events in the evening.
Suffolk Coast
While the beautiful coastal regions of England such as Devon, Cornwall and Dorset are always popular, often the Suffolk Coast is overlooked as an option for England staycation ideas.
Don’t miss the colourful seaside towns of Southwold, Walberswick and Adleborough, especially the vibrant beach huts along the sandy Southwold beach.
Thorpeness is a beautiful coastal town with unique houses, including the House in the Clouds, a converted water tower which you can rent out as holiday accommodation.
Make sure to get some fresh seafood from the harbourside at Southwold and don’t miss out on trying the beers from the local brewery, Adnams. Find out more things to do in Southwold.
Northumberland
While many people choose to travel down south to the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset or Kent, there is some spectacular coastline and fascinating attractions and things to do in Northumberland.
Arguably the most underrated and best staycation England has to offer if you’re looking for a beach escape to avoid the crowds.
The Northumberland Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why. Don’t miss Warkworth Beach or the quaint seaside town of Amble.
Bamburgh Castle is a spectacular site to see on a mount along the coast and it was once the seat of the Kings of Northumbria in the early medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom.
Alnwick Castle is another famous historical site in Northumberland, made more famous as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.
North Devon
While Devon is a popular choice for a coastal getaway in England, many people instinctively head to the south of Devon. But North Devon is a spectacular option with stunning coastline, beaches, walks and lovely towns.
Clovelly is a quaint, privately owned village on Devon’s north coast and despite being a small village, you’ll find so much to see and do in Clovelly.
Lynton and Lynmouth are beautiful seaside towns to visit and right nearby is the stunning Valley of Rocks to go walking in and spot the wild goats! Although with the whole of the Southwest coast path to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for coastal walks.
Ilfracombe has plenty to do if you’re looking for boat trips, restaurants, family friendly activities and you can even take a day trip to Lundy Island.
Discover 25+ things to do in North Devon for your trip.
Summary: Staycation Ideas in England
Hopefully, this has given you some inspiration for the best England staycations and helps you plan your next holiday in England, there are so many gems to see and explore.
Whether you’re searching for a city break, a coastal getaway or some time in nature, England staycations are an amazing option for your next trip.
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