When you’re trying to save money, taking your annual holiday can seem needlessly extravagant, especially when you factor in flights, travel insurance and all those other little extras. But if the idea of going without a break this year is just too depressing, why not try a staycation? You may not think it, but Britain has enough beaches, heritage sites and indulgent restaurants to rival any holiday destination and staycations are the new fashionable way of enjoying a holiday without breaking the bank. To prove it to you, here are our top five things you probably hadn’t considered about holidaying in our fair isle, as well as some of our recommendations of the best places to head to.
1) While you may have your eye on that swanky villa in the South of France, hotels in Britain can be just as luxurious, often for a fraction of the price. Even better than this is that unlike the typical touristy options available at traditional all-inclusive beach resorts, you can tailor your accommodation to suit your holiday and your tastes. From hotels in Leeds to cute little guesthouses in Brighton, we have it all. Shop around for the best deals: city hotels can be pricey, but by using sites such as HotelClub rooms in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and other usually-expensive cities can be found easily and at rates you can afford.
2) We’ve got our fair share of tourist attractions; 28 World Heritage Sites, countless castles and country mansions, and of course our Royal Family have provided us with plenty of tourist hot-spots over the years. Those after a bit of glamour should check out the fabulous country houses and castles dotted around, and if you want some ancient history then Stonehenge is the place to head. Culture vultures will enjoy places like the Tate Modern in London and catching a show by the English National Ballet.
3) No need to head abroad for exotic food: Britain’s multicultural heritage has led to a melting pot of different cuisines and foods on offer, from Thai and Iraqi to Jewish and even Hawaiian. We’re a nation that loves our grub, and this can be seen in the sheer number of eateries dotted on every high street in the country. Avoid chain restaurants (you can have those any time!), and explore the side streets of your destination to find fabulous, authentic restaurants that the locals eat in.
4) Britain is a country with many facets to it, making it easy to tailor your holiday to suit you perfectly. Those after a romantic break will love the tiny, intimate rooms in York, Bristol and Chester hotels. If you have kids in tow check out the more energetic destinations of Cornwall or Blackpool for plenty to keep them occupied, and young people up for a party should try the cool clubs of Manchester and Brighton. In short, something for everyone!
5) If you want to get back to nature, the UK has plenty of green spaces, rugged mountains and rolling fields to discover. From the Lake District (fabulous picnicking spots) to the hills of Dartmoor (fabulous views), there’s plenty of beautiful areas to enjoy right on our doorstep. If you’re an urban dweller or a townie, seeing untamed Britain will be one of the highlights of the trip. Take the kids, the dog, and plenty of sandwiches and get exploring.
Wherever you go for your staycation, knowing that you’ve saved money and are still getting that holiday away is the perfect antidote to life’s daily money worries. Getting away from it all is the whole point of a holiday, so enjoy your break and get to know your country a little better… this might be the start of a whole new way of holidaying.