Holiday season is very much upon us, and with 52% of 25 – 34 year olds planning to increase their UK based holiday time, it is safe to say that the staycation is not just a lockdown flash in the pan.
With this in mind, we will look at some of the best destinations the UK has to offer for a staycation this year, considering activities, places to eat and drink, location, as well as how safe the area is to visit.
Tenby, Wales
Located on the beautiful south Pembrokeshire coast, the small fishing village of Tenby is the perfect place to spend a staycation in Wales. One of the country’s premier tourist spots, Tenby is located around 50 miles from the city of Swansea and is a beautiful walled town with lots to offer, whatever your interests.
Transport: Tenby has a railway station, which offers services to Cardiff and Swansea, with onward connections to London Paddington. Bus services include regular services to Swansea, and for those driving, the M4 is the nearest motorway.
Places to Eat and Drink: Tenby is home to many independent local restaurants, whether you are looking for breakfast, a light lunch or an evening meal. Among the top-rated eateries are Fuchsia, Heywood Bar & Grill, and Indie Burger, offering a range of different cuisines to sample during your stay.
Activities and Places of Interest: The town is small enough to be able to explore all it has to offer on foot, so visitors will have no trouble seeing the sights and taking in the experiences. Check out the beautiful harbour and beaches that are located in the town, stroll around while enjoying some fine local ice cream, or head further afield and explore the Pembrokeshire Coast path, and Caldey Island.
Port Isaac, Cornwall
A small fishing village, Port Isaac is situated on the Atlantic coast in North Cornwall. The home of ITV’s Doc Martin, the village is beautiful, as it blends tourism with local charm, places to eat and drink and a small but fabulous, working harbour. A great base to explore the rest of Cornwall, Port Isaac is waiting for your visit this summer.
Transport: Port Isaac does not have a railway station, but it is well connected by roads throughout Cornwall and linking to the rest of the UK. Local bus services serve nearby towns and villages ready for you to explore.
Places to Eat and Drink: As a popular destination, Port Isaac has no shortage of restaurants and pubs to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink. The most famous offering the town has, apart from the Doc of course, is Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin Starred Outlaw’s New Road. This stunning eatery offers wonderful seafood – book up though, this place is extremely popular.
Activities and Places of Interest: Port Isaac is of course famous for being the location of hit ITV comedy-drama, Doc Martin. Known as Portwenn in the programme, fans of the show can take a trip to visit the Doc’s House, and pop for a pint in the Golden Lion, the show’s local pub. Check out the beach and the small harbour, where the show was filmed on location, and snap some pics on some iconic settings.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Located not far from perhaps more famous neighbours Whitby and Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque small fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast. Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula novel features scenes set in the village, and the unique layout makes it a must visit location with plenty of B&B’s, hotels and holiday parks in the local area.
Transport: Though Robin Hood’s Bay no longer has a railway station (the nearest is Whitby around six miles away), the X93 bus service runs hourly between Scarborough and Middlesbrough. Easy road access to both Scarborough and Whitby comes via the A171, and for those on long-distance walks, the village is on the coastal section of the wonderful Cleveland Way.
Places to Eat and Drink: Tripadvisor has an extensive list of places to eat both in the bay and further afield. From Brambles Bistro serving up fine British cuisine, to tearooms and fish and chip restaurants, this is one part of the world you can be safe to say won’t see you hungry. Pop to Smuggler’s Ale House and sample some of the tasty local real ales.
Activities and Places of Interest: Take a walk on the beach where you may be lucky to uncover some ancient fossils. Check out the local wildlife, the small art galleries and museums or take a day trip to Whitby for the famous Abbey ruins, or pop to Scarborough for the arcades and a more resort-like experience. Camping is also an option in the area to experience first-hand what the area offers – just be sure to either take all rubbish home with you, or most sites would have facilities like 240l bins to prevent waste littering the area.
Windermere, The Lake District
Our final place on this list comes not in the form of a costal retreat, but from Cumbria’s breathtaking Lake District. Windermere, and its very close neighbour Bowness-on-Windermere are the perfect location for thrill-seekers, walkers and foodies alike, as it offers some of the best the region has to offer.
Transport: Windermere has a railway station which connects the area to Oxenholme Lake District via a branch line, which also offer provides a link to nearby settlements. Taxis are frequently available, the local bus services connects Windermere with destinations through the Lake District and for those driving, the M6 is easily accessible via the A591.
Places to Eat and Drink: Both Windermere and the town of Bowness have no shortage of places for food and drink. Bowness, being more lively, has a collection of pubs including the Flying Pig and the Angel Inn, while up the hill in Windermere there is a range of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Activities and Places of Interest: For fans of Peter Rabbit, the World of Beatrix Potter is located in Bowness – perfect for a family visit. 11 miles long, Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, so why not take advantage of one of the many boat trips available locally and take in some of the best scenery anywhere in the world.
