LifecanbetoffMillions of people have had to cancel their holiday plans because of coronavirus, meaning that the UK tourism industry has taken a massive hit.
I’ve always been a big fan of holidaying in the UK and I’ve set out some of the benefits of a staycation and why you should consider one once all this has passed.
What is a Staycation?
A staycation is when you holiday in your own country, it can even be time spent at home but with day trips out and about exploring your hometown and area.
There can be several benefits to holidaying at home in the UK and whilst the lure of an exotic beach holiday might be too much for some to resist, -particularly after several weeks of lockdown – we have a whole host of spectacular places right here in the UK which are just calling out to be explored and enjoyed.
Ok, we might not always have scorching hot weather, but a windy day spent on a Cornish beach can be just as charming as sunbathing on a sunny one!
And, we do get good weather too!
Still planning a holiday abroad? There are ways to make your trip as stress free as possible too.
Benefits of the Staycation
It could save you money!
I am a keen staycationer. Mostly because I can never afford a holiday abroad.
Holidaying in the UK isn’t always the cheapest option, but there are several options out there for a break away. This could be a glamping weekend, a camping trip, a hotel break or you could rent a coastal cottage for the week.
It doesn’t have to be all glitz and glam, but at the same time, there is a lot of money to be saved and not just when it comes to where you stay.
Which leads me on to my next point…
Less Travel
A holiday in the UK means a damn sight less travel than if you were jetting off abroad.
Not only are you potentially saving money, but there is the time saving you’ll make too. No painful airport lounge check in wait times, no transfer hassle and no jet lag.
Let us not forget the potential environmental saving too. There are many ways you can choose to travel sustainably from the hotel you stay in, the food you eat, or how you travel.
On the Luce has an amazing post about carbon offsetting your flights if you do choose to fly.
Support the local economy
I’m all about supporting the local economy and whilst you could potentially do this whilst being abroad, putting money back into the UK economy is much better!
You can support the economy by eating out at local cafes, bars or restaurants. If you are self catering then choose to shop at farm shops or local producers rather than doing your full shop at the supermarket – this not only supports local but also British farming.
You can even choose to stay at boutique hotels or independently owned holiday cottages rather than go for the chain companies.
Don’t forget – every purchase you make from a small or independent business, the owner does a happy dance!
Can take your pets!
This is a major reason why I’ve always chosen to holiday in the UK as I’ve been able to take the dogs with me.
There are many choices when it comes to dog friendly (and some cat friendly!) accommodation in the UK.
I have stayed a couple of times at Trallwm Forest Cottages. Some places will charge a pet fee but this is a fraction of the cost of kennelling your pooch for a week whilst you jet off to sunnier climes!
And think of all that walking you can do – time out in nature is scientifically proven to be good for us!
It can be as long or as short as you want it to be
A huge number of self catering accommodation or Airbnb offer the option of short or long breaks, from 2 night stays up to 7 or 10 days you can take as long as you need.
Sometimes you can only take a few precious days off work so can only fit in a long weekend – this is where the staycation comes into its own!
Many places also offer deals on certain types of stays so it always worth looking out for special offers.
You can still make plans
If you’re a bit of a Monica and like to make sure you make the most of each day of your trip, you still have the opportunity to make a plan and set an itinerary for your holiday in the UK.
With so many places to see and explore you’ll not be short of things to do. From farm parks and wildlife parks to beautiful stately homes. You can even book ahead at restaurants so you can plan right down to your last meal!
Take a look at my Best of the South West post for some inspiration if you’re heading to the South West of England!
Explore our beautiful country
The most important of all is the opportunity to explore what this amazing country has to offer.
From staggering views in the Lake District to sandy beaches in Cornwall to historic towns and villages – you will not be short of beautiful places to explore in our Glorious Britain. There are also things you can do to make your holiday memorable.
A few Life can be Toff recommendations
Where to eat or pick up some food!
The Trouble House Cafe Bar, Tetbury
Situated just a short walk from Tetbury along a footpath. A warm welcome always awaits at the Trouble House. They serve lunches and gorgeous homemade cakes throughout the week from 11am. Dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and serves a very delicious Sunday lunch. You can also grab breakfast on Saturday mornings. Booking is advised particularly on Sunday’s when it is usually fully booked.
Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton, Devon
Situated on the border of Devon and Cornwall, Strawberry Fields (you sang the song didn’t you?) is an amazing farm shop, cafe and conference venue. A true working farm shop with local produce, a MASSIVE gin selection and delicious cakes, fresh bread and deli goods.
Located a short diversion off the A30 it is ideally situated if you are travelling to or from Cornwall. The coffee is absolutely delicious – yes, I’ve made a pit stop at Strawberry Fields many a time! Well worth a visit – but it won’t be a quick pit stop!
Where to stay
Trallwm Forest Cottages
If you’re looking for ‘off the grid’ in the middle of a beautiful forest accommodation then Trallwm Forest Cottages is for you. Made up of a selection of cottages (some of which are dog friendly) set in a stunning working Welsh forest, there is plenty to see and do to re-engage with nature. We’ve been guests at Trallwm twice and neither time were we disappointed with our stay.
Watergate Bay Hotel
One of Cornwall’s most popular hotels. Set in the cliffside of Watergate Bay overlooking New Quay, Watergate Bay is people, children and dog friendly. I’ve stayed plenty over the last 8 years (although admittedly always for work not pleasure!) but that has never dampened my visit.
With the coastal path just a few metres from the hotel doors, the beach or short drives to popular destinations, you won’t go much wrong staying at the Watergate Bay Hotel.
Another Place, Lake District, Cumbria
The sister hotel to the Watergate Bay, it takes everything that the Watergate has made its own, and takes it up a notch. I’m patiently waiting the opportunity to go!
You could also check out my post about Solent Forts, No Man’s Fort where you can eat and sleep and is most definitely a unique place to go!
Choose Britain!
There you have it, the benefits of the Staycation. I hope you are inspired to explore our beautiful country the next time you’re thinking of going on holiday.
Perhaps you have a recommendation of your own? Let us know in the comments.
Peace out!
Jangles x
Staycations are my favourite! We love being tourists in our own cities, or even just finding a local hotel for the night – a different view for a night can really help you to switch off from work and relax 🙂
[…] to get away from home for a few days, simply for a change of scenery! And there are lots of benefits to a staycation in the […]
I highly recommend a staycation in Brecon area of South Wales – the views are amazing. We stayed at Attenborough Cottage via Air B&B and it was an amazing few days.. and then we went down to Pembrokeshire ! Wales really is the New Zealand or Canada of the UK.
I grew up nearby Brecon so can definitely recommend the area too! Beautiful part of the world.