Summer staycations

The UK is in the midst of the best summer weather since ’76, with a seemingly never-ending run of hot air and sunny skies. We therefore think the time is now to pack your bags, slap on the sun lotion and head to a UK hotspot for a jolly good time this summer!

A spectacular history, diverse local communities and interesting foodie scenes are just some of the reasons international travellers visit England and the British Isles – So, what’s stopping you from exploring the wonders within our very nation?

Once you realise that language barriers, currency conversion conundrums and jetlag will not be getting in your way of you enjoying time in the sun, the benefits of holidaying in the UK slowly become more appealing than a trip abroad.

For a cost-effective, stress-reducing break, look to the sights and sounds of England’s varied regions. Here we breakdown some of the most interesting, fun and relaxing spots to visit throughout the UK this summer…

The West Country

Some of the finest jewels of Britain are contained within the green landscapes of England’s West country. The Roman city of Bath in Somerset is a popular city break for people of all ages and interests. Along with the historic Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the city is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene and architectural delights such as The Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

The surrounding countryside boasts quaint villages and beautiful landscapes, with The Cotswolds, Stonehenge and Bristol’s Brunel Suspension Bridge within the region, there really are so many delights to discover.

Salisbury

 

The historic city of Salisbury is a fantastic location for those looking for a relaxing break with lots to do in the local vicinity. The 13th century former coaching inn, Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel, has last minute availability for this summer, so guests can be lapping up the wonderful riverside views from the hotel’s terrace, strolling to nearby Salisbury Cathedral or heading to the famous Stonehenge, before they know it. A two-night staycation with full English breakfast is from £105pp (two sharing).

 

 

Southern Shores

Soak up the sea air with a visit to England’s South coast; it’s so much more than just buckets and spades. Along the sunny coast lies a mix of towns, villages and cities that attract day visitors from London, couples on romantic mini-breaks and even commuters, as direct trains from London taking just over one hour. Southampton Airport is fast becoming the UK’s leading regional airport, servicing the nation’s other airports – For example, a flight from Edinburgh to Southampton is just 1 hour and 40 minutes long.

Southampton

 

Southampton’s Guildhall Square is bringing a taste of the seaside to the city centre with the free Seaside in the Square event, from 20 July to 22 August. Visitors will enjoy bountiful beach sports, live music, sand art and food stalls throughout the summer holidays. On the outskirts of the city, Chilworth Manor Hotel is perfect for those travelling by road, rail or air. Save a bucket-load by staying two nights mid-week, from £76pp (based on two sharing) including breakfast and use of leisure facilities.

 

 

Hampshire countryside

 

New Place Hotel, in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, is the perfect spot to get away from it all these summer days and enjoy endless greenery, fantastic dining and local attractions. The hotel is close to both Southampton and Portsmouth for fun-filled days out, as well as locally-renowned vineyards, quaint villages and family-favourite Marwell Zoo. A two-night mid-week stay is from £199 per family, including breakfast (based on two adults and one child sharing a room).

 

 

Northern Powerhouse

The great North West of England is often over-looked by the bright lights of London, but the region is so much more than the cosmopolitan cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Excellent road and train links between the area’s top spots means time to uncover more places.

Chester

 

A historic Roman city, Chester has many treasures to uncover during a staycation this summer. A wonderful display of history, the city has been made famous by the half-timbered structures that line the central shopping streets, The Eastgate Clock and now, TV’s Chester Zoo. An ideal family bolthole with an air of clam and relaxation is Chester’s Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa, just a 10-minute drive to the city centre, zoo and Blue Planet Aquarium. Two-night staycations are from £118pp (based on two sharing) including breakfast.

 

 

Preston

 

The gateway to the North West, Preston offers visitors easy access to the region’s many highlights in the city and beyond, being close to Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool. Stay at city-central Legacy Preston International Hotel with its bright modern bedrooms, excellent café bar and brilliant service, and enjoy free car parking, all within walking to distance to the mainline train station. One-night stays from £35pp including breakfast, based on two sharing.