Staycation – the buzzword of 2020. Staying closer to home can be just as exciting, luxurious, adventurous and inspiring as any foreign holiday.
Take a look at our top picks for creating your perfect holiday here in the UK.
The City Break
Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel
Located in the city of theatricality, families can discover the definition of true comfort by staying and relaxing in the newly upgraded rooms at the Novotel Edinburgh Centre hotel, even their fluffy friend is welcome. The hotel is on the doorstep of some of Edinburgh’s most famous attractions including Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. After a day of shopping and exploring the Scottish capital, families can unwind in the heated pool and spa. Accommodation for a standard room sleeping up to four people (two adults and two children) with queen-size bed and sofa is available at £72.24 for one night based on a stay on 31st August.
The Country House Break
Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa
Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House is the perfect place for a relaxing staycation in the heart of the stunning Scottish countryside. The 19th-century mansion house, inspired by Balmoral Castle, is set in 30 acres of beautiful grounds, and its rustic setting is a fantastic location for a couples retreat or family holiday. Make the most of the spa facilities by indulging in a treatment and enjoy the very best of local Scottish produce at the inhouse Blair’s Restaurant or sampling one of the 80 varieties of Scottish whiskey at the Soapie’s Lounge & Bar. Accommodation for a classic double room sleeping two adults is available at £67.15 for one night based on a stay on 31st August
The Family/Activity Break
Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole offer over 20 Fantastic Attractions included in the one day ticket! Looking for a fantastic Somerset staycation? A visit to Wookey Hole – Somerset includes a trip to the caves and over 20 other fantastic attractions making it a truly memorable occasion for all the family and a great Somerset day out. Enjoy an amazing Wookey Hole Guided Cave Tour – For centuries people have been marvelling at these astounding caves and their natural beauty.
Wookey Hole is the perfect UK staycation, offering beautiful lodges to make a weekend of your trip!
Welcoming over half a million visitors each year, Wookey Hole is renowned for offering guests a unique and memorable experience throughout its historical caves and tours, seasonal events and 20 fantastic attractions within the venue.
Rosneath Castle Park
If you are looking for wide open spaces against a stunning backdrop, look no further than Rosneath Castel Park, nestled on the banks of an idyllic loch. It provides a truly stunning setting near Helensburgh in Argyll on Scotland’s West Coast. This quiet holiday park is the perfect destination for discovering nearby Loch Lomond, the copper-coloured hills of Argyll and the Scottish Highlands. After a day conquering the waters, exploring our surroundings or enjoying the local attractions, you won’t have to venture far from your accommodation to enjoy a great meal. If you fancy sampling some tasty pub grub and a cosy evening atmosphere head to the Castle Isle bar and restaurant with all social distancing precautions in place.
Stay at dog friendly Rosneath Castle Park, arriving on Friday 11th September for a 3-night stay from £239, based on a Loch View 2-bedroom caravan sleeping up to 6 people.
The Luxury Escape
Grantley Hall
Dating back to the 17th century, Grantley Hall has a rich history, hosting royalty, members of Parliament, celebrities and socialites. Emulating the grandeur of its past in its look and feel, and incorporating this extravagance into every area of its cuisine, spa and accommodation, Grantley Hall is the epitome of luxury. The splendour of the Hall resonates in the Three Graces Spa which offers a myriad of luxurious treatments, a calming cedar hot tub and soothing thermal sauna to perfectly rebalance every aspect of the body.
After a day relaxing at the spa, unwind with a unique experience of afternoon tea, set to the classical, mellow tones of a grand piano, or walk through the miles of countryside or perfectly manicured gardens that surround and absorb the chirpy sounds of the birds, with nothing around to disturb.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Grantley Hall from £1,475pp. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers.
Glass House Detox & Wellness Retreat
Secluded by acres of countryside, Glass House Retreat boasts impressive views of the lush greenery that surrounds. The remote location guarantees no distractions or temptations from nearby Central London less than hour away, allowing complete focus on detox, fitness, and enriching the body and mind. Rid yourself of unwanted and harmful toxins, reenergise the body, and invigorate the mind with this detox retreat at Glass House.
With interchangeable diet plans, and body composition analyses, this retreat is specifically tailored to your individual requirements. Relax in the Himalayan salt block sauna, take a dip in the pool, or increase your fitness levels with high intensity tactical training, to make the most of this secluded detox and wellness staycation. You will leave feeling refreshed and with the tools to continue your healthy lifestyle at home.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Glass House Detox & Wellness Retreat from £1,115pp or £1,395 for single occupancy. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.
Whittlebury Park
A luxury four-star countryside hotel, golf course and spa resort in rural Northamptonshire, is offering dinner, bed and breakfast priced from £149 per room* as part of a range of one, two, and three-night packages for those looking for a UK staycation this summer.
The award-winning Whittlebury Park is nestled in hundreds of acres of tranquil ancient parkland, making it the perfect destination to get away from it all. At just a 10-minute drive from the M1 and within easy reach of Oxford, Stowe and Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s also the ideal location for a short break or to explore the delights of the local area.
Whittlebury offers an award-winning 254-bedroom hotel, a 2 AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant, as well as a luxurious spa and 36-hole Championship golf course.
The Glamping Break
The Little Retreat
Deep in the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park, The Little Retreat could just be Pembrokeshire’s hidden secrets. Seemingly buried in the countryside of South Wales, it enjoys a ravishing location high above the Cleddau river in the grounds of the Lawrenny Estate, next door to the pretty village of the same name. It’s far enough away from the hurly burly of the coast to be peaceful, yet close enough to enjoy both Pembrokeshire’s cliffs and beaches and the region’s often unsung green interior. “Escape the Ordinary’ is their motto, and The Little Retreat’s collection of luxury geo-domes gives you the opportunity to do just that.
Tucked away in a secluded location in the estate’s upper walled garden, the geo-domes are the ultimate in high-end glamping. Fully insulated and provided with wood-burning stoves to keep things warm and toasty all year round, each has its own kitchen and bathroom, comfy beds and sofas and a private wood-fired hot tub. Cosy nights in are aided by good wifi and smart TVs so you you can always hunker down with a Netflix box set if the weather plays up.
The Country Pub Break
The White Lion – Tenterden, Kent
The charming town of Tenterden, Kent, is home to The White Lion, a stunning former 16th century coaching inn with 14 boutique- style bedrooms and a characterful dining room. Think luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen, White Company toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and the perfect welcome hamper packed with coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Whether you are travelling with the kids in tow, or just looking for a couples’ staycation , look no further than this beautiful corner of rural England.
The Florentine – Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Set in Fulwood, a rural part of town, just outside Sheffield, The Florentine offers the perfect staycation for those interested in arts and culture. With 10 boutique bedrooms including stunning suite with an in-room roll-top bath, walk-in shower and luxurious two metre bed, this pub with rooms is perfectly positioned for culture vultures looking to pay a visit to the Millennium Gallery, Winter Garden or Chatsworth House, a short drive away. Meanwhile, those looking for some rest and relaxation can take to the restaurant and enjoy a classic Sunday roast lunch with all the trimmings.
The Huntsman of Brockenhurst – Brockenhurst, New Forest
November Stays in Sherwood Forest
Tucked away in the depths of the New Forest, this gorgeous boutique pub offers 13 enchanting bedrooms. Those who are travelling with children will delight in the Superior Family Room and Suite, providing bags of space for excited little ones. For less rambunctious guests, the King and Superior Double rooms offer the perfect home from home, including luxury linen, Nespresso machines and free WiFi. But that’s not all – the pub restaurant serving delicious seasonal dishes also has its own outdoor fire pit where guests can enjoy al fresco summer evenings with a large glass of wine.
Now the kids have finally gone back to school, it’s a great time for couples to grab a relaxing, romantic break, but with Autumn filling up fast, November is looking like the best month for a quiet getaway.
Nottinghamshire Tourism’s Holiday Village of the Year 2019, The Sherwood Hideaway, is the perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from crowds and busy areas. Each luxury lodge comes complete with a private hot tub and is set on the edge of the ancient Sherwood Forest.
Perfectly located to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the many walks through the enchanted forest steeped in myth and legend. For those looking for a more active break, there are way-marked trails along road and dirt tracks for keen cyclists that will suit all ages and abilities. From The Sherwood Hideaway you can ride along woodland trails and the estate’s back roads to cycle for miles, often without seeing a single vehicle.
Guests can also now access an exclusive members only coarse fishing lake located approximately a mile from The Sherwood Hideaway. Guests can book to use the fishing lake at reception where they can also hire equipment if they don’t have their own.
The surroundings are great for long walks with dogs and The Sherwood Hideaway is a very dog friendly place to stay. They even get their own treats and towels on arrival.
November Deals:
Holiday with your dogs
Arrive at The Sherwood Hideaway on Monday 2nd November for a four-night stay from £676, based on up to 4 people, staying in a traditional 2-bedroom, pet friendly lodge.
Mini staycation
If you are looking for a long weekend retreat stay in a superior Woodland escape lodge, arriving on Friday 23rd November for 3-nights from £603, based on 2 people.
Total relaxation
If you are looking for a longer break away for complete relaxation, arrive on Friday 13th November for a 7-night stay from £950, based on up to 4-people staying in a 2-bedroom Woodland Rustic lodge.