Discover how to plan the perfect UK staycation. Explore ideal city, coastal, and countryside staycation breaks, with all the tips you need for budgeting and logistics.
Think “holiday”, and it’s too easy to imagine sunny beaches, poolside relaxation, and far-away adventures, forgetting those crowded airport lounges, delayed flights, and all the stress international travel can bring.
But as we enter a new era with British staycations on the rise, why should we put up with the hassle of going abroad when we can enjoy an equally rewarding escape right here in the UK?
In this blog, we explain how to plan a staycation, from choosing the best destinations to planning your budget and organising those fiddly practicalities.
What is a Staycation?
A staycation is a holiday in the country where you live. So, rather than travelling abroad, you choose a domestic destination instead. This could mean a long weekend city break in the summer or a special family reunion in the country at Christmas. Even day trips or staying at home can be considered a staycation.
After the global disruption of 2020, we Brits were forced to look onshore for our holiday experiences. But instead of feeling limited in our options, we found countless destinations right here on our own isles.
So much so, 2025 saw more people taking staycations (52%) than travelling abroad (46%). From easier logistics to cost savings and overall convenience, it’s no surprise British staycations are proving more worthwhile than travelling overseas.
The Best Staycations in the UK
When planning your staycation, the first step is deciding what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you enjoy peaceful countryside walks, vibrant city breaks, or a romantic getaway for two, the ideal staycation will always depend on your personal preferences.
To help inspire your next trip, we’ve grouped together some exciting UK staycation ideas that should suit all tastes and requirements:
City Staycation Breaks
- Bristol – A thriving art culture and creative energy with diverse areas all within walking distance, from Clifton Village to Stokes Croft and Southville.
- Manchester – A vibrant mix of music, sport, nightlife, and industrial heritage, with trendy neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter packed with independent cafés, bars, and shops.
- Liverpool – Famous for its waterfront, musical history, and lively atmosphere, Liverpool combines culture, nightlife, and maritime heritage in one compact city.
- Edinburgh – Scotland’s historic capital offers stunning architecture, cosy pubs, and medieval streets. Whether looking upon or from, enjoy breathtaking views at the castle.
- Belfast – A friendly city rich in character, Belfast blends Victorian architecture, fantastic pubs, and a growing food scene with easy access to the Northern Irish coastline.
- York – Step back in time on cobbled streets, pass ancient city walls, and duck into charming tea rooms inside one of England’s most picturesque historic cities.
- Newcastle – With its friendly locals and legendary nightlife, Newcastle also offers impressive architecture and an attractive culture outside of the “Geordie Shore” stereotypes.
- Bath – Live that Bridgerton fantasy, Bath offers quintessential Georgian elegance, Roman history, luxury spas, and fancy shopping.
- Brighton – An arty seaside city packed with independent shops, quirky cafés, and the iconic Lanes, where it’s just as fun as it is easy to get lost on a night out.
- Cardiff – Combine modern waterfront developments with historic castles, vibrant nightlife, and sporting culture in Wales’s capital.
- Norwich – A hidden gem with medieval streets, independent businesses, and a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by beautiful Norfolk countryside.
Coastal Staycation Breaks
- Cornwall – Golden sands and dramatic coastlines with endless beaches. Ideal for surfing, hiking, and relaxed seaside getaways.
- Devon – Two contrasting coasts provide calmer areas in the south and wild surfing spots in the north. Ideal for variety and outdoor activities.
- Dorset – Home to the Jurassic Coast, perfect for fossil hunting, cliff walks, and picturesque seaside towns like Lyme Regis.
- Northumberland – Rugged, unspoilt coastline with castles, dunes, and some of the UK’s most peaceful, unspoilt beaches.
- The Gower – Just past Swansea, this incredible peninsula was granted the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956.
- Pembrokeshire – A stunning Welsh coastal national park where you can spot puffins, seals, and dolphins on scenic walking routes.
- County Donegal – Wild, rugged, and unspoilt, Donegal offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland.
Countryside Staycation Breaks
- Great Malvern – Another AONB, Great Malvern offers incredible hiking routes, a vibrant food culture, and convenient access to the surrounding counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
- The Lake District – One of the UK’s most iconic national parks, the Lake District is known for its dramatic peaks, vast lakes, and picturesque villages.
- Wicklow Mountains – Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” this region offers rolling hills, glacial valleys, waterfalls, and peaceful hiking trails.
- Cairngorms National Park – The UK’s largest national park featuring mountain ranges, ancient forests, and wildlife-rich landscapes.
- The Cotswolds – Famous for its rolling hills and quaint hotspots like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury, the Cotswolds offer postcard-perfect scenery where you can combine walking with nice outings in its distinctive stone towns and villages.
- Snowdonia – With breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and rugged landscapes, Snowdonia is great for hikers and adventure seekers.
When is the Best Time for British Staycations
The best time for a British staycation depends on the type of break you’re planning. Summer is ideal for coastal destinations and outdoor activities, while spring and autumn often offer fewer crowds, lower prices and greater availability. Winter can also be a great time for city breaks, spa retreats and countryside escapes, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
For example, Cornwall can provide the ideal coastal getaway, but with two to three million people descending on the county in the peak of the summer, roads and beaches can be extremely crowded.
On the other hand, you can plan your staycation around specific seasonal highlights to make the most of what a destination has to offer. In Great Malvern, the Showground comes alive during events such as the RHS Spring Festival, Autumn and Three Counties Show, offering a vibrant calendar of experiences that can add something extra to your visit.
Therefore, planning your staycation requires thinking of factors that can improve or interfere with your experience:
- Weather – Summer brings warmer, longer days, but it’s still unpredictable in the UK. Spring and early autumn often offer a good balance of mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Tourism levels – School holidays, bank holidays, and peak summer weeks tend to be the busiest times across the UK.
- Costs – Accommodation and travel costs can increase significantly during peak periods, while off-peak dates often offer better value and availability.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, try booking outside of school holidays and peak summer times (July/August). By travelling during quieter periods, such as within school term times, you can still enjoy the same beautiful destinations, just with fewer crowds, shorter queues, and often better prices.
Budgeting & Logistics for British Staycations
Planning a staycation is often simpler than organising a trip abroad, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Setting a budget, researching activities, and understanding travel times will help you get the most from your staycation in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. To ensure you make the most of your time away, consider the following:
- Budget – Factor in accommodation, transport, food, activities, and spending money to avoid unexpected costs.
- Transport & Travel Time – Plan your route in advance. Even short UK journeys can involve traffic, train changes, or parking fees.
- Packing Essentials – The UK weather can change quickly, so pack layers, waterproofs, and spare socks are always a must.
- Activities & Experiences – Booking activities, restaurants, or tours in advance can help you save money and avoid disappointment.
- Flexibility – Leave room for spontaneous exploring. Some of the best UK staycations come from unexpected discoveries. A great excuse to visit the local pub and start chatting to the locals!
Choose Great Malvern for Your Staycation in England
If you’re looking for staycation ideas in England, Great Malvern offers the perfect blend of countryside scenery, independent food and drink, outdoor adventure and cultural attractions.
Situated at the foot of the Malvern Hills, Mount Pleasant Hotel provides the ideal base for exploring one of the UK’s most popular countryside staycation destinations, attracting walkers, food lovers and couples seeking a relaxing escape.
Here, we combine comfortable accommodation with exceptional service, helping you make the most of your time in Malvern. From our selection of suites to our award-winning restaurant, we guarantee your staycation with us will be worthy of any five-star holiday abroad.
Discover our available accommodation, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.