Particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and now with the ongoing cost of living crisis, the staycation has become the most viable holiday option for many Brits. Along with facility and affordability, staycations have many benefits, from the removed stresses of exchange rates and up-to-date passports, to the freedom to be spontaneous or to cancel last minute, and being able to travel with pets.

If you’re considering booking a staycation this year, here are some of my favourite spots across the UK:

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, my beloved. Quite possibly my favourite city in the UK, and certainly my most visited. Every time I venture to Scotland’s capital, I find something new to fall in love with. It is truly a city full of wonders. 

The most magical part of the city, in my opinion, is The Royal Mile (pictured above), nestled in the heart of the picture-perfect old town. Explore the many independent shops and cafes dotted along the winding, cobbled street.

There is an abundance of ‘must-do’ activities in Edinburgh – certainly something for everyone. Whether you want to culture yourself in the many museums on offer, spend all your money in St. James’ shopping centre, or take a gander through the West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh has it all.

Other notable mentions are of course Edinburgh Zoo, Arthur’s Seat and the Edinburgh Dungeons.

Lake District

The Lakes are the perfect staycation destination for those who love to spend their holidays in the great outdoors. From open water swimming, mountain hiking and kayaking, you can pack your schedule full of activities. There are so many beautiful lakes, mountains and towns to explore, meaning you can find yourself on a different adventure every time you visit.

For me, the ideal day out in the lakes would be: a morning walk around Lake Windermere, followed by kayaking and a picnic lunch. Then a short drive into Keswick, where I’d browse the shops, possibly treating myself to an ice cream before settling into one of the town’s many superb restaurants for dinner. Finally, a sunset dip in Derwentwater Lake and possibly a few drinks in a lakeside pub. Perfect!

Cardiff

Now, it has been a while since I’ve visited the Welsh capital, but nonetheless its impact remains.

Cardiff, the city by the sea, is a small but vibrant city. Aside from taking in the city’s chirpy seaside vibes, you can take a walk around Cardiff Castle, catch a show at St David’s Hall or get historical in the National Museum.

A great way to see Cardiff is by bike – cycle around Cardiff Bay or Mermaid Quay whilst taking in some of the city’s many landmarks.

 Padstow, Cornwall

Despite being a classic British holiday destination, Cornwall is never lost on me. Wherever you go in the UK, you’re chancing the weather – but holidaying in Cornwall might give you a slightly better chance of catching some rays.

Cornwall is a heavenly slice of the UK, with miles of beaches, idyllic fishing villages and, of course, the Cornish pasty.

Padstow is a particularly lovely corner of Cornwall, with its bustling town centre packed with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a little harbour, too. From Padstow, you can take a sunset stroll to some of Cornwall’s more secluded beaches, or even choose to sail to the nearby Newquay. You may even find yourself forgetting that you’re in the UK!

There is no shortage of staycation destinations in the UK – all of which you can easily access by rail, car, or coach. I for one am not finished exploring what the country has to offer – and I have an extensive staycation bucket list to prove it:

-            Bristol: for the city’s rich culture.

-            Bath: for its impressive architecture.

-            Cambridge: for the chance to try punting.

-            West Scotland: for its beautiful beaches.

-            Norfolk: for sailing through the broads on a houseboat.

When it comes to staycations, there are so many ways to get the best out of the UK, even as a student. Firstly, I’d suggest looking inwards – how about a hometown holiday? As someone who lives in the North East, I’ve always enjoyed exploring the peaceful beaches of Northumberland, the historic city of Durham and the electrifying nightlife of Newcastle. Even if your staycation is just up the road, it’s a great way to have a change of scenery. Another way to see more of the UK is through visiting friends at university. Not only is it a great way to explore a new city with friends, but you also get free accommodation. And finally, UoN’s Travel Society offer excellent UK travel opportunities at significantly reduced prices – their upcoming trip to Bath and Bristol will be one to remember.

The UK truly has a vast range of staycation spots to offer. And with holidays abroad climbing in price and costing the environment, when else would be a better time to ditch the vacation and take up the staycation?