Are Staycations Here to Stay? Why the Great British Staycation is the Best Choice For Your Next Holiday

The events of last year have certainly seen a rise in popularity of the Great British Staycation, and we’re expecting 2021 to be no different. With the UK currently in its third lockdown, many of us are now looking ahead to the summer when hopefully, we can enjoy a little more normality in the form of a much needed holiday. The term “staycation” has been around for a while, being added to the dictionary in the early 2000s, but what does it actually mean? What is the difference between a vacation and a staycation? Well, according to Holiday Pirates, the term initially referred to staying at home and taking in local attractions without an overnight stay, but now, it largely refers to a holiday within your home country. Naturally, a combination of travel restrictions and general anxieties about coronavirus will mean that for a lot of us, we’ll be wanting to stay a bit closer to home, so it’s no wonder that a British staycation is going to be the choice for most of us. The UK has an incredible selection of destinations to choose from with some of the world’s most iconic attractions, so there’s going to be something for everyone wherever you decide to go. Don’t believe us? We’ve put together our top picks when it comes to the best staycation locations, all in one handy video below to show you just a handful of what the UK has to offer.

 

Whether it’s enjoying a few weeks by the seaside in a cosy coastal cottage or a couple of days away on a family camping trip in the great outdoors, the UK offers a fantastic choice of destinations to head to on your summer staycation. Even better, with our UK travel voucher codes, we’ll make it easier to save money on your break. Today, we’re looking into reasons why the staycation is here to stay, along with a more in-depth look at some of our favourite UK holiday destinations in a bid to give you some great staycation ideas!

Why Are Staycations So Popular?

Let’s start by taking a little look at why staycations have become so popular recently. Well, the elephant in the room is of course the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only did it result in holidays both abroad and in the UK to be cancelled, but it also meant that a lot of us felt anxious about travelling in general, even when restrictions were lifted. However, according to a 2020 survey on UK staycation statistics by City Suites, there was a pretty fair split in those who preferred to holiday in the UK until we get a vaccine for Covid-19 (24.9%) and those who wanted to travel abroad as soon as it was allowed (24.7%). Despite that, 17% of the 2000 people surveyed still said that they would prefer a UK staycation regardless of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Fast forward to 2021, and the impact of the second wave, new strains and another lockdown have meant that our travel plans are affected once more. However, with more people receiving the coronavirus vaccine and the hopefully eventual lifting of lockdown restrictions, more of us will be starting to plan our summer holiday. With many foreign countries having different restrictions and in some cases, quarantine rules, not to mention the impact of Brexit, experts are saying that it's even more likely that we'll be wanting to stick to destinations closer to home. In fact, as many as 4 in 5 Brits (around 84%) are considering a staycation in 2021. Yes indeed, the staycation is set to be huge in 2021.

Why Should I Holiday in the UK?

Okay, so if your annual holiday usually involves jetting off to a tropical climate and kicking back by the pool in a luxury five star resort, you may not be convinced that a holiday in the UK is going to be your thing. However, let us reassure you that there’s plenty of benefits to a staycation…

It’s Usually Cheaper

Let’s start with the obvious one.  According to research by Booking.com, these days we’re more price focused than ever, and it’s no secret that staycations are usually much cheaper than holidaying abroad. Think about it - you’re immediately cutting the costs of flights, airport parking, transfers, and visas to name a few. With the popularity of the staycation bigger than ever in 2021, many UK holiday companies will be offering great discounts and package deals over the next few months too. Plus, combined with our UK and Ireland holiday voucher codes, there’s even more opportunity to get that family staycation for less!

You’re Supporting UK Tourism

There’s no denying that the UK tourism and hospitality industry have taken a hit over the last year, so by booking a holiday in the UK, you’ll automatically be supporting those businesses and companies that have had a rough year. Not only does it include campsites and holiday parks that have had to stay closed, but you’ll also be supporting all of those small shops, cafés and restaurants in the local area you visit. 

It Brings Back Memories

We all have those lovely memories of family holidays by the seaside, so why not relive them? Eating fish and chips sat in the harbour, building sandcastles on the beach - they’re all wonderful memories that deserve to be recreated! Why not head back to a location where you used to go as a child and perhaps take your kids with you and create some new memories?

It’s Better For the Environment

If you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, opting for a staycation rather than travelling abroad can be beneficial for the environment as well as your wallet. Flying accounts for 2.4% of global CO2 emissions, so travelling locally will be a small contribution that can ultimately make a big difference. You can reach most holiday destinations by car in mere hours, and of course if you opt to travel with public transport, you'll be making an even bigger difference! Let's not forget either, that the support you’ll be giving the UK tourism industry also adds to the sustainability factor.

It’s More Practical

A staycation offers more flexibility and greater practicality. You can choose the exact dates and times you want to travel rather than having to plan around flight times and schedules, and of course, there’s the huge relief of cutting out that highly stressful airport experience. There’s no need to worry about the weight of your bags, getting up at 2am to check-in or that long line at security, and of course, no jet lag! Simply pack up everything you need in the car and head off at your own leisurely pace. 

You’ll Be Reducing Your Covid Anxiety

For a lot of us, anxiety around covid will still be very much a thing, and that’s okay. However, by staying on home soil, you’ll certainly be doing your bit to look out for yours and your family’s wellbeing. You’re cutting out hours on a packed plane with strangers, you won’t need to worry about quarantining when you arrive at and return from your destination, and you’ll be well accustomed to the rules in place!

Where Can I Go For a Staycation in the UK?

Okay, so now we’ve established why a staycation is such a good idea, let’s take a look at destinations. We’ve already given you some ideas when it comes to where to stay, but to help you decide, we’re going to go into a little more detail. 

Cornwall

Ranked by Travel Supermarket as number one in Great Britain’s Top 10 Staycation Destinations, Cornwall has it all. Whether you’re in the market for a walking holiday or a romantic seaside getaway, there’s something for everyone. Cornwall is home to some of the best beaches in the world, including Porth Beach in Newquay, which has gorgeous golden sands and is an ideal spot for families, or Pentewan Beach which is great for surfing and sea canoeing. Take in the sights of pretty harbour villages such as Padstow and St Ives, or catch the breathtaking views of Lands’ End - there’s so much to see and do! The larger towns of Newquay and Falmouth are popular with families, so there’s a wide selection of campsites to choose from, but if you fancy something a little extra special, why not opt for a cosy holiday cottage? Our Cornwall Hideaways voucher codes can save you money on some of the most gorgeous holiday homes in the area, with everything from luxury romantic retreats for a couples’ getaway to larger family-friendly properties with plenty of room for everyone.

The Lake District

Take in the breathtaking views of the high fells and tranquil lakes which served as inspiration for some of the most iconic writers of our time, including Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Explore the serene Grasmere Village in the heart of the Lake District, complete with charming cottages and plenty of pubs and restaurants to kick back and relax in, or if you’re keen for adventure, why not take on Scafell Pike. Standing at over 978 metres high, it’s England’s highest mountain which features stunning scenery as you venture to the summit. While it’s certainly a challenge, the spectacular views you’ll get when you reach the top will make it all worthwhile. When it comes to where you stay, there’s a number of options, but our top pick has to be booking your break using our Great Little Breaks voucher codes, as they currently have some fantastic packages for the Lake District, starting from as little as £65. It’s not just the Lake District either, Great Little Breaks has a whole array of breaks across the whole of the UK, including weekend getaways and midweek breaks.

London

Whether it’s staycation ideas for couples, families or just a trip away with some friends, a trip to London is something that we should all consider at least once! Our fantastic capital is packed with some of the world’s most iconic attractions that people travel thousands of miles to visit, so why not consider it as your next holiday destination? Take in the rich culture at one of the world class museums, enjoy glorious city views and enjoy a meal at one of the many luxury restaurants, and that’s just for starters. If you’re taking the family, there’s the classic attractions such as London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds’ which will bring plenty of amusement too. While the city can often have a reputation for being expensive, planning ahead and having plenty of know-how will ensure you don’t over-spend. If you’re planning on doing the tourist thing, we recommend using our London Pass voucher codes to save on entry to some of the city’s most popular attractions including the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, and London Zoo. Heading there for a special occasion? Use our Celebrate in London voucher vouchers and you’ll be able to save money on West End theatre tickets and luxury dining packages to really help make the most of your trip.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an incredible city that's jam packed with culture and history, but there's also plenty to offer in the form of exciting nightlife, world-class dining and a vibrant arts scene. One of the best things about the Scottish capital is that many of their museums, parks and attractions offer free entry, making it a great choice for a family holiday. Take a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy spending the day exploring the stunning grounds in a relaxing atmosphere; or head to the Scottish National Gallery and discover the rich collection of masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh and Botticelli. If you really want to take in everything Edinburgh has to offer, why not book a holiday and tour package with our Just Go Holidays voucher codes? Not only can you book your break for less, but everything is taken care of too!

South Wales

Whether you're looking for a city break in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, or wanting to explore the great outdoors and take in some incredible scenery, South Wales has something for everyone. If you fancy a bit of hiking, head to the Brecon Beacons National Park and take in the splendour of the landscape and the incredible waterfalls, along with a great selection of B&Bs and glamping sites nearby. Alternatively, view the incredible sights that Cardiff has to offer and enjoy everything the city has to offer, from the Victorian-era shopping arcades and the famous Cardiff Castle. If you're looking for a family friendly break by the coast, check out our Haven Holidays voucher codes - they have some great deals at their three South Wales holiday parks, our personal favourite being Lydstep Holiday Village. Not only does it boast breathtaking views of the Pembrokeshire coast, but Lydstep Beach is known for having some of the cleanest waters and has more Seaside Awards than any other in the county! Of course, there’s plenty more that Haven Holidays have to offer. They have parks all over the UK, so if South Wales isn’t quite to your taste, there’s bound to be a destination that suits your needs!

Bath

When it comes to city breaks, Bath has some incredible features to offer. Enjoy the rich history of the city, with a visit to the world-famous Roman Baths or a trip to the Jane Austen Centre, honouring Bath’s most famous resident. You’ll be able to marvel in the incredible architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Circus, as well as explore a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafés. You can also explore further afield too, with attractions such as Stonehenge and the picturesque village of Lacock nearby. Not only will you find a wide selection of hotels and B&Bs throughout the city, if you want a little luxury, why not stay at the Apex City of Bath Hotel? Located in the heart of the city, you’re just mere minutes away from everything it has to offer, plus, you can get a reduced rate on your stay using our Apex Hotels voucher codes! It’s not just the Bath hotel you can save at either, Apex Hotels have branches in London and Edinburgh too, so if you’re in the market for cheap city breaks, it’s worth a look at the UK staycation deals we have listed!

Nottingham

Whilst we're on the topic of city breaks, we have to give a mention to Nottingham. Famous for being the home of Robin Hood, learning about the city's most famous resident is just one of the many things you can do. There's a bustling restaurant scene which foodies are sure to love, the Nottingham Contemporary for art lovers, and Nottingham Castle for history enthusiasts - and that's just for starters! If you'd rather take in the views of the countryside, be sure to head to the Attenborough Nature Reserve, which is the perfect spot for clearing your head after a busy day in the city. In terms of accommodation, there's plenty of choice where you rest your head at the end of the day - and if you're looking for a hotel in the heart of the city, be sure to book using our Booking.com voucher vouchers. Not only do they have great savings on Nottingham hotels, but there's a huge selection of hotel deals all over the UK too.

Norwich

Modern and ancient culture are combined in the city of Norwich, famous for its history of treasure hoards and warrior queens but there's also a buzzing café and restaurant scene which foodies will be sure to love. Learn about warrior queen Boudica at the Norwich Castle Museum and view masterpieces by Picasso and Degas at the Sainsbury Centre, or explore the beauty of the city's very own secret garden - Plantation Garden. Enjoy the delicious offerings the restaurant scene has to offer too, such as Figbar, which offers quirky sweet treats that are 100% Instagram worthy; and Café Britannia, which has the very best view in the city. Book your accommodation using our staycation vouchers, and you’ll also be able to get money off your stay too. Our top picks are our Lastminute.com voucher codes, which could save you up to 65% on selected stays!

Norfolk

When we think of coastal locations, it'll also be areas like Devon and Cornwall that come to mind. However, the Norfolk coast is certainly one that shouldn't be forgotten. It's an area of natural beauty, with locations such as Blakeney Point, a salt marsh that's home to hundreds of adorable seals, and Dunwich Heath, a beautiful array of pink and purple heather that makes for a stunning country walk. If you want to make the most out of your trip to Norfolk, we suggest booking a delightful holiday home using our Norfolk Hideaways voucher codes. They have a huge range of stunning properties, with options for families, couples and larger groups, so you can be sure to find your ideal retreat!

Isle of Wight

Located off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is best known for its beautiful beaches and soaring cliffs. With tourist attractions open all year round, there's bound to be plenty to do whatever time of year you visit. Head to Monkey Haven, where not only will you meet mischievous monkeys, but owls and meerkats too; or enjoy some family friendly fun at Sandham Gardens. You've also a great selection of places to stay at your disposal too, including hotels, campsites and B&Bs. A great place to start is with our Hotels.com voucher codes, as you can save up to £15 on selected bookings. Again, it's not just the Isle of Wight hotels you'll save at either - you'll get great rates on hotels and accommodation all across the UK!

If you’re anything like the My Favourite Voucher Codes team, looking at these UK staycation ideas will have got you itching to book your next break! Our top tip is to make sure that wherever you head on your staycation, you book your holiday using our UK travel voucher codes. Whether it’s extra nights’ free, room upgrades, or just a simple discount on your booking, we have some amazing savings available to you. Take a browse through what we have to offer, and whether you’re looking for a few days by the seaside or a slick weekend city break, you’ll be sure to save money on your summer staycation.

By Amy Jackson - 10th February 2021