With holidaying abroad up in the air and most of us feeling reluctant to make any kind of far-flung travel plans until the green list is officially popping, it looks like UK staycations are still the one.
For those hankering for a room with a sea view or a staycation beyond your trad hotel, we’re here to help you with your search. From cosy handmade cabins to quirky regal residences and bougie apartments for your girls’ weekend away, the UK has plenty of cool accommodation and unforgettable weekend breaks going for it.
Sure, we can’t wait for the day we can take off to the Med for a week at a moment’s notice but for now, these locations will cure the holiday hangover nicely.
Take a scroll to see what cosy cottagecore cabins, barns, gypsy wagons, treehouses and blissful escapes take your fancy – and join us in never underestimating the UK ‘holistay’ ever again.
Isle of Anglesey, Wales
Surrounded by hundreds of acres of estate farm and parkland, this rural bolthole is ideal for wildlife lovers, walkers, families, friends and adventure-seekers looking for a 10/10 peaceful outdoorsy getaway. Book it through Airbnb here!
Scottish Highlands
You know it’s a good spot if it’s been featured on The Crown. This impressive fully catered lodge is steeped in history and even played host to Queen Victoria back in the day. Overlooking the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, it’s the perfect place to switch off and embrace the wild beauty of Mother Nature. Book it through Fish & Pips here.
Lymington, Hampshire
Tucked away in a secluded plot in the New Forest, you’ll be spoilt for choice for woodland walks and country pubs at this place. Boasting beautiful grounds, rustic interiors, shared tennis courts, a sleigh bed for a restful night’s kip and a charming terrace for you to enjoy breakfast al fresco or balmy sundowners, it’s the perfect post-lockdown escape. Ah, and breathe! Book it through Airbnb here.
Margate, Kent
With September availability still going strong, why not reserve this bohemian beauty for a weekend by the beautiful briny sea? Just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town and the beach and featuring thoughtful details such as a meditation corner and board games, the immaculate townhouse has everything you need for a relaxing British holiday. Book it through Airbnb here!
Machynlleth, Wales
If you’re after something a bit different, this handcrafted gypsy wagon will steal your heart. Think wood-fired showers, stunning mountain views, birdsong, a natural plunge pool and plenty of cosy reading nooks. A truly beautiful slice of Wales that lends itself wonderfully to a digital detox or a romantic couple’s hideaway. Book it through Airbnb here!
Chelmarsh, Shropshire
A rural retreat set in a peaceful barn conversion. Enjoy a daily doorstep delivery of fresh eggs, a charcoal bbq, homemade treats waiting for you on arrival and beautiful views of the Shropshire countryside. Hikers will be in their element here. Book it through Airbnb here!
Bathwick, Bath
A must-stay for any book lovers, this beautiful apartment was home to Jane Austen between 1801 and 1805 when she was writing her unfinished novella ‘The Watsons’. With rustic stone floors, original Georgian panelling, a Louis IV bed and shelves teeming with artwork and curious objects, the eclectic and thoughtful interiors have their very own story to tell. Just a 10 minute promenade down Great Pulteney Street into town, it’s ideal for anyone looking to explore the city on foot but equally great for those who’d sooner spend their whole stay curled up indoors with a good book. We’re sure the previous owner would absolutely stan. Book it through Airbnb here!
Scottish borders
After the year we’ve had, why on earth wouldn’t you want to make like Mary Queen of Scot’s and stay in her castle chamber, for crying out loud? On arrival, you’ll have a tour of Neidpath castle and then you’re free to explore every nook and cranny privately throughout your stay before retiring to your regal boudoir for a glass of wine by the open fire and nodding off in the antique four-poster bed.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the roll top bath overlooking the spectacular River Tweed and tuck into a lip-smacking continental breakfast the next morning whilst deer-spotting from the bedroom window. And if you really want to dine like Kings and Queens, dinner can also be booked in advance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply hankering to stay in a fairy tale castle in Scotland, bucket list Airbnbs don’t get more magical than this. Book it through Airbnb here.
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales
Located in Snowdonia National Park and surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and woolly neighbours aplenty, this romantic 17th century Welsh longhouse would make for an unforgettable staycation. Book it through Airbnb here!
The Cotswolds
Get back to nature with this countryside bolthole, nestled in 400 rolling acres of countryside. From magical treehouses to hideaway huts complete with your very own paddle boat and private lake to float around on, The Fish is the ultimate rustic woodland retreat. You may have to wait patiently until next year to catch this Fish but it’ll be worth the wait. Book The Fish here.
Suffolk
Located on a 5000 acre country estate, this seriously bougie (and pet-friendly) barn conversion has been kitted out with all the luxuries you could ever need. Roam the remarkable Wilderness Reserve on two wheels on your very own Pashley bicycles stocked in each property, have a paddle on the lake and learn about the natural inhabitants with the ranger. This is the ultimate in countryside living. Book through Fish & Pips here.
Kent
Located in the former home of 50s piano legend Russ Conway, this Art Deco guesthouse by the sea ticks all the staycation boxes. Just a 15 minute saunter from Broadstairs town and three stunning Blue Flag Beaches pretty much on the doorstep, it’s well placed for exploring the coast, though the tropical garden with large patio area makes sunbathing with a cold one just as appealing. Book through Airbnb here.
Upper Wye Valley, Wales
Escape city life and recharge with Mother Nature at this cosy hillside hideaway surrounded by bird song, ducks and Shetland ponies. If babbling brooks, cosy log burners and valley views resonate with. Book it through Airbnb here!
Margate, Kent
A calming olde worlde home in the heart of Margate, flooded with natural light and lovingly restored. Situated in the picturesque Hawley Square, it’s within easy walking distance of the Old Town, the seafront, eateries and coffee shops. You’ll be very at home in this peaceful seaside sanctuary. Book it through Airbnb here!
Little Sodbury, Gloucestershire
Sandwiched between Bath and the Cotswolds and set in its own private woodland, camping and glamping doesn’t get much better than the Dome on Woodcock Farm. It’s the arboreal off-grid retreat everyone needs after a lifetime of lockdown. Book it through Airbnb here.
Aldeby, Norfolk
A quiet and secluded location on the southern edge of The Broads National Park with stunning views over the fields, perfect for spotting wildlife and watching the sunset. Leaving could be a problem. Book it through Airbnb here.
Ceredigion, Wales
Dolphin watching from your balcony, what’s not to love? We challenge you to find better sea views in the whole of New Quay. Book it through Airbnb here.
Somerset
Full of Georgian charm and set within 800 acres of sprawling woodland with a deer park, a working farm and beautiful manicured gardens for a backdrop, The Newt invites you to indulge in the slower pace of life. Truly one of the best places to stay in the country. Book it through Fish & Pips here!
