Solo staycation: Nine locations to recharge away from home

Travelling is often seen as something couples, families or friends do together. However, with staycations becoming increasingly, who says you can’t make it into a solo trip? For a chance to explore new scenery and recharge away from home, here are nine locations for a solo staycation. 

1. Bristol

Best for: Modern art

Bristol is a city filled with a relaxed vibe and coated in modern art. The centre of Bristol is not that large and easily walkable, perfect for exploring solo. The modern Harbourside development provides you with museums, bars, clubs and even SS Great Britain. Bath is a short drive away, perfect for a day trip.

Place to stay: Avonside Cottage, a short drive outside Bristol by the River Avon

Best walk: Take a street art guided walk around the centre of Bristol and see an original Banksy. 

Best thing to do: Embed yourself in the busy culture of Bristol by visiting the lit up Harbourside at night.  

2. Cotswolds

Best for: Postcard cottages

The Cotswolds is a blissfully English area of the country that bumbles along on its own. Small villages seem isolated, and each one has its own peculiar quirks. The Cotswolds is a great area to explore alone and treat yourself to some country living. 

Place to stay: Brooklands in the village of Chedworth is a quintessential Cotswold cottage and perfect for a staycation.

Best walk: Lower Slaughter Loop takes you along the River Windrush and to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Best thing to do: Take the time to visit the Old Mill museum in the postcard cottage village of Lower Slaughter.

3. London

Best for: Being a tourist

Many, if not most people in the UK, have been to London at some point, whether for a day out or the daily commute. Try and go to London as a tourist. You don’t have to look far for the tourist hotspots, ride a double-decker tour bus and see the architecture.

Place to stay: Retro City Base is on the outskirts of central London. A quick bus ride will get you into the heart of the city. 

Best walk: The Jubilee Loop takes you around some of London’s most well-known locations.

Best thing to do: You can hop off at every major tourist attraction you fancy at Big Bus London Hop On Hop Off Tour. 

4. Northumberland

Best for: Castles and beaches

The challenging landscape of a Northumberland staycation is perfect for the lone explorer. Stunning views, fascinating history, and exciting cities such as Newcastle make Northumberland a place to meet new people and enjoy your own company. 

Place to stay: Hadrian’s Garden Villa is in an ideal location near Hadrian’s wall and not far from Newcastle.  

Best walk: Vindolanda and Hadrian’s Wall walk is the most scenic part of the wall and Northumberland’s most impressive historical feature. 

Best thing to do: With the castle in excellent condition, Bamburgh Castle is a marvel to see. 

5. Oxford

Best for: History 

Oxford is one of the most well-known university cities in the world. But this city of spires and winding rivers has so much more than the university to offer. Visit the Ashmolean and see a breathtaking exhibition, explore the leafy lanes of North Oxford or relax in a rooftop bar in the city centre.     

Place to stay: Cottage in Oxfordshire is a few miles outside Oxford and on the outskirts of the Otmoor nature reserve. 

Best walk: Oxford is a small city, so a guided walk around its historical centre is worth every second. Try the Official Oxford University and City Tour. 

Best thing to do: Visit the Ashmolean Museum and get lost in history, art and culture. 

6. Cornwall

Best for: Coastal adventures

Cornwall is a county full of adventure. As well as having some of the best beaches in the UK, it also has a varied landscape and a fascinating history. Cornwall is very dog-friendly and perfect for a Cornish staycation with your four-legged friend if you choose to bring them along. 

Place to stay: Penny Cottage is in a small harbour village called Polperro, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. 

Best walk: Polperro Harbour and Headlands Walk takes you around the quaint fishing village and on some of the nearby cliffs. 

Best thing to do: The Eden Project is one of the most famous attractions in Cornwall and is a marvel to see.

7. Snowdonia

Best for: Climbing and walking

Snowdonia is the most mountainous region of Wales, with options for both intermediate and challenging climbs. As well as being covered in mountains, Snowdonia has quaint villages tucked away in the hills and stunning walks spread around. 

Place to stay: Bron Olau is a small cottage nestled in a hamlet called Rhyd y Sarn. It’s near Mount Snowdon, the largest of Snowdonia’s mountains.  

Best walk: Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk is full of waterfalls and rivers. 

Best thing to do: If you’re feeling adventurous and are well prepared, challenge yourself and climb Snowdon solo. 

8. Isle of Skye

Best for: A bit of time with nature

For a remote getaway, the Isle of Skye is a perfect choice. With small villages, castles and white sandy beaches, Skye has a bit of everything and is perfect for any solo adventurer. 

Place to stay: Close to the coast and quiet enough to fully unwind, The Old House is a great choice. 

Best walk: The Fairy Pools walk takes you to a group of waterfalls and pools. If you are brave enough, go for a dip.  

Best thing to do: Visit Claigan Coral Beach for one of the most amazing beaches in the Isle of Skye.

9. Edinburgh

Best for: Festivals

Edinburgh is a buzzy, welcoming city, great for solo travelling. With the Fringe Festival in the summer and beautiful architecture all year round, it is hard not to enjoy this city. 

Place to stay: 3 Lynedoch Place is in New Town, one of the most attractive areas of Edinburgh and right in the centre.  

Best walk: Climb Arthur’s Seat and get one of the best views across the city. 

Best thing to do: Be in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. This colossal festival makes the city even more buzzing than usual and is well worth a visit.