Staycations: 5 Summer Destinations in the UK

Our top places for a  summer staycation in the UK:

With Britain set to experience the hottest summer on record, there is really no need to travel far to have a fantastic holiday. Skip the stress of airport queues, long delays, and cramped planes and try a staycation instead. The UK has so much to offer, from the Highlands in Scotland to the Southern coastline and you will save time and money on travel, too.

We have compiled a list of our 5 top travel destinations in the UK for this summer. There is something here for everyone – outdoor enthusiasts, animal lovers, history buffs, beach babes, single parents, and solo travellers. From the Isles of Scilly all the way to the Scottish Hebrides – the UK has plenty of places remote and beautiful and perfect for a weekend getaway or relaxing holiday.

The Cotswolds

One of the most picturesque spots in the UK are the beautiful Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its lush green countryside, honey coloured stone cottages, and magnificent stately homes, it’s a great destination for anyone, from families with kids of all ages to those travelling solo. Here you will find an abundance of charming villages and towns, impressive country homes, pretty gardens, gorgeous scenery, and fun family activities – you won’t be short of things to do when travelling with kids!

The Cotswolds also makes for a fantastic place for a short break from your Liverpool apartments with plenty of gorgeous places to stay, beautiful countryside and countless walking trails. Why not take a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in the sun with sandwiches, cake, and wine in one of the many gardens surrounded by flourishing flowers and glistening lakes? Don’t forget to stop in one of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe, to admire the panoramic views and its medieval market cross monument and church. After doing the circular walk around the village you could check in at The Old Stables for some quintessential British grub.

Picture: Honey-coloured stone cottages in Bibury, CotwoldsThe Scottish Highlands

Scotland is home to many stunning landscapes, beautiful attractions, and traditions, and is the perfect place for a family holiday. The Scottish Highlands, in particular, have so much to offer: A nature lover’s paradise brimming with spectacular waterfalls, wooded glens, idyllic beaches, and historic castles. If you are travelling with kids, going to the Highland Games, which keep century old Scottish and Celtic traditions alive, is a must. Watch the caber toss, hammer throw, and stone put and tug o’war to name but a few of the sporting activities performed in traditional costume by both men and women. You will be spoilt for choice and will want to keep coming back for more. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a family or with friends, you won’t have to travel far and there is something for everyone. If you want to see as much as possible of your trip to Scotland, why not take a cruise of the Scottish isles on the Waverley, the last seagoing paddle steamer, or a ride on the Jacobite steam train through the Highlands. You will be awarded with spectacular views of its glistening lakes (“Lochs”), its highest mountain peaks (“munros”), and secluded valleys (“glens”).

Picture: Highland cow in the Scottish HighlandsPembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is one of Wales’s most stunning and interesting places to visit and a fantastic location for a staycation in the UK. Located in the south-west of Wales, it has 186 miles of coastline, so if coastal walks are your favourite pastime, then this is the place to go for you. Look out for the pretty Victorian seaside towns, hidden coves, and quaint harbours. and take in the beautiful views of the sea. You might even spot harbour porpoises, or if you take a boat trip, bottlenose dolphins, fin whales and minke whales. One of those quaint seaside towns is Fishguard. Steeped in history, the quiet tranquil town is an ideal place to relax and take in the views. You could grab a coffee to go and take a stroll around the idyllic hillside. If you are visiting from August, you will also see many seals and pups on its undisturbed beaches – an amazing day out for families with children.

If you are travelling with kids, you will find a huge choice of indoor and outdoor activities this summer. There are woodland gardens, wildlife centres, animal parks, castles where you can travel back in time, adventure golf, and for those holidays with teenagers,, there is zorbing and Segway, the Oakwood Theme Park and several outdoor activity centres offering climbing, archery, canoeing, kayaking and more for teens and thrill seekers of all ages.

Picture: Tenby in PembrokeshireThe Outer Hebrides

If you love holidays off the beaten track, nature and animals, then the Outer Hebrides are the place to visit. The Scottish archipelago off the west coast of the Scottish mainland has mountains, moors, sandy beaches, and tranquillity in abundance. Spot some of its incredible wildlife, such as deer, eagles, and puffins, explore the beautiful countryside on foot or bike and relax on its white sandy beaches. By now you will be wondering why you ever ventured to the Med with unspoilt nature like this on your doorstep! There are also opportunities to fish and golf surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Needless to say, one of the best ways to explore the islands is by boat. Take a scheduled sailing to some of the many uninhabited islands or go on a dolphin and whale watching cruise around the Wester Isles. The Outer Hebrides are an island paradise, offering an abundance of adventure, safety, and tranquillity making it a perfect staycation for solo holidays.

Picture: Seilebost beach, Lewis, Outer HebridesIsles of Scilly

An archipelago off the southwestern tip of the Cornish coast is the Isles of Scilly. Just like the Hebrides, the islands are quiet and unspoilt, and life moves at a slower pace. The islands are the UK’s version of the Caribbean and a perfect holiday destination for families with kids. With soft white sandy beaches and calm blue water, beautiful coastal paths, with nature trails and rows after rows of amazing flowers, this is the place to be for a laid-back break with young children. Keep an eye out for puffins and seals swimming in the sea. Do you love to stargaze? With no light pollution on the Isles of Scilly, on clear nights the sky provides a spectacular sight – just look up and gaze to your heart’s content.

Picture: St. Martin, The Isles of Scilly

If you don’t fancy travelling overseas this summer, but still want to get away, choose a staycation in the UK. With so many wondrous places to explore, you will be short of options to choose from. From Scotland to the South and everything in between, there is something for everyone to enjoy, from solo traveller to family and toddler to teen.

* This article was originally published here