Best Alternative Holidays for Those Who Prefer to Stay Local
With all the confusion and uncertainty surrounding international travel, it’s no surprise that people are looking to embrace the staycation and holiday at home this summer. While the UK can’t guarantee sunshine, it offers sandy beaches, picturesque villages, fabulous food and much more besides.
So, leave your passport at home, stop stressing about how heavy your suitcase and stay local. And if you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up the all the best staycation holiday ideas for you.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Cumbria
The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is situated in a secluded spot a few miles from Lake Windermere, and only a 20-minute drive from the market town of Kendal. Easily accessible by train or car, this hotel is popular with couples looking for romance and pampering.
Unusually there are two hotels on offer on two separate estates. Choose between a very chilled out stay at the Gilpin Hotel, or try the hotel-come-country-house, Gilpin Lake House.
Set in 21 acres, the Gilpin Hotel has 28 bedrooms, the Michelin starred HRiSHi restuarant plus a Champagne Bar, lounge, terraces, a croquet lawn. The Garden Suites have their own cedarwood hot tubs, while the Spa Lodges offer an ensuite spa with steam room, hot tub and sauna.
Just a mile away from Gilpin Hotel lies the Lake House, where just twelve guests can enjoy the 100 acres of private grounds. With its own lake, boat house, hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pool, the Lake House offers boutique indulgence.
Take a cream tea in your room, a walk in the woods, or enjoy a selection of spa treatments. This indulgent hideaway is a great base from which to explore the beauty of the Lake District, or to hideaway and relax.
Yacht Charter, The Solent
Instead of sitting on a beach staring out to sea this summer, why not try something different for your staycation. Chartering a yacht in the UK is a simple and exciting way to explore all that the beautiful British coastline has to offer.
There’s a wide selection of boats available to hire, from RIBs, motorboat, sailing yachts, catamarans and speed boats. And if you’re worried about a lack of experience then don’t, training is available or consider hiring a yacht with a skipper attached.
The Solent is one of the top yachting hotspots in the world but you don’t have to be an expert to have fun here. There are so many places to explore here, from Chichester, to the Beaulieu River or the famous Needles.
Whether you’re thinking of a holiday at sea or a day out to the isle of Wight, there’s a boat for you. For more information check out a yacht charter website, which is like an Airbnb of Boats and lists all boats available for hire.
Albion Nights Glamping, Norfolk
If you’re looking to get away from it all, including the kids, then Albion Nights is the place for you. Located in the Waveney Valley on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, this secluded eco-retreat is set in 6 acres of wildflower meadow.
The hand-crafted cabin retreats for 2, are luxury off grid glamping at its best. Inside there’s an open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove and kitchenette, a separate double bedroom and an ensuite bathroom.
Outside on the veranda is the outdoor bath, perfect for stargazing or sipping a glass of prosecco. Should that not be relaxing enough for you, Wellness treatments such as massages, reiki and reflexology are also on offer to guests.
The city of Norwich is just 15 minutes away while the vast beaches of the East Anglian coast are also close by. The waterways of the Norfolk Broads and pretty town of Southwold are well worth a visit while you’re here.
Gidleigh Park Hotel, Devon
Gidleigh Park is located on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park, next to the beautiful River Teign. This family friendly Tudor-style country house is set within 107 acres of impressive grounds.
There is an award-winning restaurant plus a wide range of facilities including putting, tennis, croquet and fishing. Bedrooms are stylish with stunning bathrooms, wet rooms and spa suites.
With Dartmoor on its doorstep there are walks aplenty, with a wide variety of trails for all abilities. The hotel grounds are perfect for kids with nature hunts and woodland to explore.
Paignton Zoo, Eden Project and the National Marine Aquarium are just some of the many attractions close by.
Three Cliffs Bay Campsite, Gower, Wales
This campsite is one of the most beautiful places that you could ever wish to pitch a tent. It overlooks a sheltered lagoon with three rocky crags and is almost close enough to the sea to touch it from your tent.
It’s a perfect campsite for families with great facilities and plenty to do in the surrounding area. If you prefer glamping, or touring, then these pitches are available too.
The excellent camp site shop offers everything you could possibly need. From freshly baked bread to local BBQ meats, local beers and homemade cakes & treats.
You can also buy body boards, wetsuits, buckets, spades, and more to keep the kids entertained all day on the beach.
Discover the joy staycation this summer
With so much on offer on your doorstep, perhaps the hardest thing to do this summer will be decide where to go. But best of all, no matter where you go, it won’t take as long to get home.
