Best UK Staycations
If you’re planning a staycation, then a holiday cottage is the perfect place to enjoy some time out. There’s nothing more quintessentially English than a classic cottage in the country or a charming home in a hidden village off the beaten track. Discover thousands of cottages on offer in the very best corners of the UK.
Read more: the top 10 staycations right now >
Staycation cottages
If you’re planning a staycation, then a holiday cottage is the perfect place to enjoy some time out. There’s nothing more quintessentially English than a classic cottage in the country or a charming home in a hidden village off the beaten track. Discover thousands of cottages on offer in the very best corners of the UK.
Gone are the days of spending a fortune on an ‘exotic’ holiday just to have a great time. Instead, for your next break, opt for a staycation right here in the UK. You won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to make sure you catch your flight and you could be saving yourself a lot of cash.
With the UK being home to great locations, you’ll find a great deal of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a big, luxury home to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps a traditional cottage in the countryside - your dream holiday home is just a few clicks away. We’ll also make sure that you pay the lowest price so you can enjoy some time away without breaking the bank.
See Christmas staycation cottages >
For splendid staycation cottages, look no further...
If you’re looking to escape the humdrum of daily life for a few days, why not book a holiday cottage nestled in the countryside? You could even find one with its own private hot tub, for relaxing evenings spent stargazing and soaking your stresses away. We’ve also got a great choice of dog-friendly cottages, so you’re four-legged friends can join in on the adventure too.
If you like treating yourself to a bit of luxury on your holiday, then why not go for a stylish apartment in the city, or even better, by the beach? Staycations don’t get much better than this. For families looking to get away for a few days, our fantastic choice of child-friendly cottages is sure to please.
From coast to countryside, the choice is all yours
The UK is brimming with beautiful destinations. If you’re planning a holiday by the sea, then Cornwall and Devon should be first on your list for miles of golden sands and dramatic coastal cliffs. For a traditional seaside break, head over to Brighton & Hove and Bournemouth for funfair rides and ice cream by the beach.
For those who enjoy escaping to the countryside and discovering its wild beauty, the Lake District, Dartmoor, Snowdonia and Yorkshire Dales national parks are a perfect choice. Among these destinations are magical forests and wild heathlands awaiting your arrival.
Looking for some inspiration?
If you need some ideas on what to do while you’re away, then we’re here to help you plan the perfect break. If you’re planning on spending your holiday on the beach, then have a read of our best beaches in the UK guide.
For those heading over to the countryside, take a look at the best summer walks in the UK. Depending on what time of year you’ll be visiting, we’ve also got great guides on the best winter walks in the UK and the ten best places to visit in spring.
Most popular british staycations revealed
70 years ago Staycations used to be the only way Brits could go on holiday, then international travel became more accessible and affordable, and so the general public hopped on a plane to go on vacation.
In 2019 we reported that over half of 25 to 34-year-olds plan to increase their British vacations, and a third planned to spend more holiday time in the UK compared to previous years. The events of 2020 and 2021 only served to speed up and amplify this trend. UK staycations are continuing to boom and are likely to be extremely popular going into 2022.
Staycations are an effective way to help lower the ever-creeping cost of going on holiday, not to mention they’re more convenient for a lot of travellers. You don’t have to consider flight prices, airport car parks, transfers, buying foreign currency or visas, so it’s no wonder they are rising in popularity again.
As a country, the UK has a lot to offer in terms of holiday destinations, with areas of outstanding beauty like the Peak District, and our protected coastlines attracting millions of international tourists every year.
With that in mind, we decided to look at our booking and traffic data to find out which staycation destinations were the most popular in 2021.
See more staycation statistics >
Most popular staycation locations
Whitby
Whitby is a charming seaside town nestled on the coast of North Yorkshire, surrounded by the North York Moors National Park. Explore the town’s unique twisted streets, visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum or head to West Cliff Beach for a stroll along the beachfront. With quirky and quaint fishing villages nearby and beautiful beaches on the doorstep, Whitby is the perfect staycation for all holidaymakers.
Newquay
There’s more to Newquay than surfing and sharks. This buzzing seaside town sits in the heart of Cornwall and offers guests an exciting getaway in the South West. The town boasts vibrant bars and clubs, cosy pubs and charming eateries, as well as an abundance of shops and activities. World-famous for its stunning, sandy beaches at Fistral and Watergate Bay where the crashing waves create great surf, there’s lots to do in Newquay, both in and out of the water. While away your days basking in the sea or head to the aquarium to enjoy the water without getting wet!
Windermere
Stretching 10.5 miles and measuring 220 feet deep, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. The crowning jewel in the heart of the Lake District, Windermere is a beautiful destination set amongst the rugged fells and mountains. Pretty, picturesque villages are dotted along its shoreline, including the idyllic and popular town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which is home to lots of delightful eateries and independent shops. Follow one of many trails that wind around the lake and up into the hills. Or scale the renowned Orrest Head for breathtaking views across the shimmering lake.
Popularity |
Location
|
1 |
Whitby |
2 |
Newquay |
3 |
Windermere |
4 |
Ambleside |
5 |
Barnstaple |
6 |
Scarborough |
7 |
Keswick |
8 |
Richmond |
9 |
Brecon |
10 |
Bideford |
The Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby has been crowned as the top staycation destination for 2021 with the highest number of bookings for the year. Other seaside spots and coastal towns including Scarborough, Newquay and Bideford also feature in the top ten – marking nostalgic seaside holidays as a top trend.
In addition to coastal holidays, escaping to nature stands out as a second trend for 2021 with the great hiking locations in the Lake District of Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick dominating the top ten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best UK staycation ideas?
The best UK staycation holiday destinations include the Lake District, Isle of Skye, and the Peak District. Stop at The Writing Room in Hawkshead, House on the Cari in Strollamus or Maltsters in Matlock. Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal or afternoon tea in the Lake District National Park, look for Loch Ness in Scotland or enjoy a day trip to the market town of Bakewell.
What are the best staycations in 2021?
The best staycations in 2021 include the cosy two-bedroom Bow Cottage in Kent, the peaceful two-bedroom Little Barnyard in Devon and the contemporary Boundary Barn near Bristol.
What are the best staycation deals?
The best staycation deals include Bakery Cottage, a family holiday home in the Cotswolds starting at £182 a night; Estate Cottage in York at £104 a night; and Montrose Apartment in Selkirk for less than £99 a night.
What are the best staycations for couples?
The most popular staycation destinations for couples are The Retreat in the Forest of Dean; Owls House, a log cabin with a private hot tub by Lake Windermere; and Upside Down Cottage - a cosy romantic getaway close to the Yorkshire Dales in Richmond.
Are staycations allowed in the UK?
Yes - staycations are still allowed. You can book stays at popular holiday spots across the UK, such as the lovely Stargazing Retreat in Devon, The Potting Shed in Staffordshire, and The Trefanny Inn, a stylish one-bedroom retreat in Cornwall.