Planning a UK staycation this year and need some inspiration? Here are some unforgettable destinations right on your doorstep in the UK.
Explore The Highlands
What better place to explore on a UK staycation than the majestic Scottish Highlands. Visit the banks of magical Loch Lomond or marvel at the awesome sight that is Glencoe Valley. There’s something for everyone in the Highlands. Whether it be whisky tasting at one of the famous local distilleries or climbing UK’s highest peak Ben Nevis. Or taking a ride on the real life Hogwarts Express from the Harry Porter films. You can also learn about the history of Rob Roy, known as the Robin Hood of the Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands are also home to one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. The epic West Highland Way, which runs from Milngavie to Fort William passing Loch Lomond and Glencoe on route. Another famous hiking trail, the Rob Roy Way, allows you to follow in the footsteps of Rob Roy from Drymen to the picturesque town of Pitlochry.
Experience The Cornwall Coast
The Cornwall Coast has been a magnet for British staycationers for years and for good reason. Cornwall’s coastline is regarded by many as the finest in the world and what is there not to love with so many jaw dropping attractions. Visit the unforgettable St Michael’s Mount, learn to surf on one of the many golden beaches, or just relax in pretty St. Ives. There’s also the chance to visit Land’s End for the chance to witness a mesmerizing sunset. Or how about having some of the best fish and chips in the UK in lovely Padstow.
For outdoor lovers, you have the chance to walk the Cornish Coast Path from Padstow to Penzance which is the most popular section of the 630 mile South West Coast Path, the longest waymarked long-distance footpath in England. There’s also plenty of surf schools in St. Ives for anyone interested in learning the secret to catching a good wave.
Discover The Cotswolds
The Cotwolds is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this is no surprise. Visit to see the beautiful rolling countryside hills and picturesque villages. These were built with the uniquely colourful Cotswold stone. There are also a significant number of historic sites in the area spanning millennia. Visits to the charming medieval market town of Chipping Campden and the historic city of Bath with its glorious Georgian architecture and 2000 year old Roman Baths (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are musts but there’s so much more to be discovered.
If you’d like to take in all of the best views that The Cotswolds has to offer, there’s no better way than hiking The Cotswold Way. This national trail runs for 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. It is one of the best way-marked trails in the UK. In addition, it passes many of the best Cotswolds attractions. Travelling by foot also allows time to really soak in the local wildflower meadows and shaded beech woodlands.
Adventure In Antrim
A staycation is Antrim is like being transported to a foreign land. Apart from the unique local accents, there is also the opportunity to visit some of the most otherworldly attractions you will ever find. Take a walk across the ocean on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge if you dare before visiting the ancient volcanic rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway. Make sure to also leave time to explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast and visit some of the famous filming locations from Game of Thrones such as The Dark Hedges.
If you’d like to explore Antrim at a slower pace, you have the option of walking the Causeway Coast Way from Ballycastle to Portstewart which passes Carrick-a-Rede and the Giant’s Causeway on route. There are also trails leading from the beautiful Glens of Antrim and on Rathlin Island, home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including common guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and the very photogenic puffins.
Look For Nessie On Loch Ness
Loch Ness is located southwest of Inverness in Scotland and with a depth of 788 feet and a length of about 23 miles leaves plenty of space for a shy aquatic creature to remain out of sight. Reports of a monster inhabiting Loch Ness date back to ancient times and there has also been many sightings in more recent history with plenty of disputed photographic evidence. Joining some fellow monster hunters on a cruise or private boat tour is obviously a must but there’s also plenty more to do in the local area including a visit to Urquhart Castle situated on the banks of Loch Ness. If you do have a sighting of Nessie, you can steady your nerves afterwards by a visit to the nearby Speyside region famous for it’s many famous malt whisky distilleries.
If you’d like more time to sit on the banks of Loch Ness and wait for Nessie to appear once the tourist boats are out of sight, you can hike the length of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way. This is a coast to coast trail starting in Fort William and finishing in Inverness. The nearby Speyside Way & Cairngorms allows an unique opportunity to combine hiking and visiting whisky distilleries as the route passes close to more than 20 distilleries!
