Best of British: 7 staycations for the summer

Europe is on everyone’s minds right now. And there can be no doubt that all the Brexit madness has dished out its fair share of stress. Heck, we need a holiday just thinking about it!

But did you know that you don’t have to fly to the other end of the continent for a great vacation? There are plenty of spots just waiting to be discovered right here in good old Blighty. When wallets are strained as much as our nerves, sometimes the best solution is finding that perfect getaway closer to home. With plenty of travellers doing just that, it looks like the “Staycation” is here to stay – and even better, it’s just a train journey away!

So with no need to exchange those hard-earned holiday pounds, enjoy our guide to the best of British for your next break.

Culture: Edinburgh

London may rule the roost when it comes to the theatre, but every year, for one month at least, the nation’s capital forfeits its cultural crown to Edinburgh. This fair northern city teems with life during the International Fringe Festival in August, which in 2015 featured 50,459 performances of 3,314 shows in 313 venues, encompassing everything from re-imaginations of Jane Austen to entirely improvised musicals.

While there are performances to suit every palette, from classical concerts to stand-up comedy, the streets are alive with music and colour, too. With so much on offer you’ll be spoiled for choice – and you’ll see Scotland’s crown jewel at its very best.

For the cultural experience of a lifetime, you should have a hotel which suits your every need. Check out our best deals on hotels in Edinburgh here.

Landscapes: Lake District

Escape to a Beatrix Potter-inspired haven in the North West of England when you visit the Lake District. Boasting England’s highest mountain and deepest lake, the landscape is famed for its glass-like waters and stunning scenery. Is it any wonder these lands have inspired some of the country’s most beloved literature?

There are walks to suit every level of fitness – a chance to drink in the sights which inspired poems by Wordsworth, Coleridge and more. Plus, with over 16 lakes and a stretch of coastline to explore, watersports are a popular choice. If you feel like pumping those legs a bit harder, there are excellent cycling routes too.

With some of the most beautiful sights in Britain just a train ride away, what are you waiting for? See our selection of Lake District hotels here!

Beach: Brighton

Brighton can boast being one of the top 10 city beach breaks in the world. Anything and everything you could want from a summer by the sea you’ll find here. In the daytime, enjoy the traditional British seaside vibe along
the famous Brighton Pier, sampling, of course, the delicious fish n’ chips and other assorted treats.

By night, you’ll be transported to a vibrant, continental club culture. So whether you’re after family friendly fun or an excuse to party hard and dance the night away, Brighton is a British gem not to be missed.

A brilliant blend of the traditional and the contemporary, book the escape you’ve been craving in Brighton today!

Family: Blackpool

Speaking of family breaks, there’s nowhere in the UK more iconic than Blackpool. The Golden Mile has stretches of sandy beach on which to build the castle of your dreams, along with donkey rides and the tempting lights of the arcades. For thrills which will have all the family holding on tight, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is on hand for those who love an adrenaline rush.

Blackpool even has you covered should you fall foul of the ever-temperamental British weather. Sandcastle, the UK’s biggest indoor waterpark, and the world-famous Madame Tussauds, provide hours of indoor entertainment. Of course, no visit to Blackpool is complete without a visit to Blackpool Tower, which boasts a grand ballroom, Skywalk viewing platform, circus show and cinema.

The home of vintage British family entertainment definitely deserves a place on your tribe’s bucket list. Click to peruse our best hotel deals in Blackpool.

History: York

Roman ruins. Viking heritage. Medieval abbeys. To walk through Yorkshire is to walk the footsteps of history. And where better to begin your journey than the stunning city of York? Nowhere is the romance of Britain’s fascinating past more alive than this northern city, which has so much to see.

York Minister is a massive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, with architecture and stained glass windows which will take your breath away. York Castle Museum is also a place to drink in local history, while the Golden Fleece is a place to simply chill out over a drink – and see if you can spot a ghost in the city’s most haunted pub. For those who enjoy a taste of the macabre, York Dungeon presents the gorier aspects of the city’s history using special effects and real actors.

Make England’s illustrious past a part of your present and take a gander at our selection of hotels in York!

Romance: Devon

With its rolling moors, medieval villages, cliffs full of fossils and lengths of beach, you would be hard put to find a spot more perfect for a romantic getaway than Devon. A visit to Doone Valley in Exmoor, setting for the epic romance Lorna Doone, should include a stroll through the ancient woodlands and riverside walks of this land. Croyde Bay includes clifftop walks and cosy pubs for snuggling up with your significant other, and Dartmeet in Dartmoor – where the East and West Dart tributaries meet to become the River Dart – is a favourite spot for proposals.

But whether you want to pop the question or just enjoy some time away with your partner, a trip to Devon is sure to bring you closer together! Check out our selection of perfectly romantic hotels here. 

Food: Ludlow

Ludlow is a foodie’s dream. This quaint little market town in Shropshire hosts a food and drink festival every September which is not to be missed by those seeking out new and tasty treats for their next trip. In addition, this town boasts a brewery, a selection of traditional butchers and a dazzling array of eateries. The town takes their status as a culinary hotspot seriously, too, and works to promote the wider consumption of good food in the UK.

Is your mouth already watering? Well, give in to those cravings and check out our selection of hotels in Ludlow today!