Feeling a little, well, under the weather right now? Don’t worry – most of the UK is with summer drawing to a close and darker evenings on the horizon. That being said, starting to plan a UK staycation is one way to keep the gloom away.
While you might be more keen to holiday further afield, there are some hidden gems in the UK that are not only more planet-friendly as you don’t have to fly, but purse-friendly, too.
You might have visited the most obvious UK staycation locations – we’re looking at you, Cornwall, Devon, and Skye – but there are a number of other beautiful locations on offer that’ll allow you to marvel at the sheer beauty the UK has to offer.
Not a keen flier and prefer to stay on home turf? The UK seems like a pretty appealing long weekend or holiday destination if you ask us…
12 UK staycations to book ASAP for a weekend break
1. Artists Residence, various locations
Easily one of the best independent boutique hotels in the UK, Artists Residence has townhouses in London, Brighton, Cornwall, and more. Fancy a stay somewhere totally unique (each inhabits an old, forgotten building), with cocktails on tap, a bathtub in your bedroom, and complimentary Tunnocks chocolate bars in your room? Then you’ll love the Artist Residence hotels, offering a comfy home away from home with added quirk and plenty of character.
Where? Locations span London, Oxford, Cornwall, Brighton, and Bristol.
How much? From £95 per night.
2. Kudhva, Cornwall
Like the idea of a camping holiday complete with wild swimming, stargazing and hiking but not so into the, well, having-to-pack-everything-you-need vibe? Then you’ll love Kudhva, a glamping spot in Cornwall that sits in the trees above an old disused quarry. They have everything you need on site and choose from tree tents, architect-designed huts and cabins to cosy up in. Head down to the communal hut to grab a complimentary mug of chai tea, charge your phone, or take a shower, and don’t miss the waterfall, either. It’s pretty magical.
Where? Tintagel, Cornwall
How much? From £108 per night.
3. Port, Eastbourne
If you’re after a relaxing weekend by the coast in one of the UK’s oldest seaside towns, Eastbourne’s your spot. Less busy than neighbouring Brighton, you can now book a room at Port, an independent Scandi-inspired hotel on the seafront with terrazzo floors, vinyl players in each room, and bathrooms bigger than a number ten lockdown party. Plus, the hotel is impressively eco, too, with Who Gives A Crap and Faith in Nature toiletries throughout. Don’t miss the Towner Gallery, while you’re in town, or the walk along the coast to Beachy Head.
Where? Eastbourne
How much? From £120 per night.
4. The Lanesborough, London
After a more fancy weekend away? Then you can’t go wrong at The Lanesborough. First built in 1719, it boasts five stars, 93 rooms, and The Lanesborough Grill restaurant, too, all just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. Celebrities and Royalty alike are rumoured to be regulars at the hotel, so it’s worth a weekend here just to people watch and marvel at the first-class service. Don’t forget towind down in the spa, and enjoy tea and homemade shortbread delivered to your room by a butler in coat and tails – there are no kettles in the rooms at this 5* establishment..
Where? London.
How much? From £955 per night.
5. Birch
Are you a Londoner on the hunt for a weekend destination that you can get to in less than an hour? Then you’ll love buzzy new Birch, located in a grand, formerly run-down hotel near Cheshunt. Now fully renovated by some of the UK’s best architects, it’s a impeccable-yet-zany joy, with food in by Robin Gill, formerly of The Dairy. Choose from a whole host of masterclasses, including sourdough making, to terrazzo coaster making, to pottery making, and more, and don’t miss the lido (swimming-costumes-optional, or so the sign reads) and frozen rose, served from a pink van come summertime.
Where? Cheshunt
How much? From £140 per night.
6. The Shepherd’s Hut Retreat, Somerset
You’ll likely have seen the world and their aunt try glamping in the UK over the last few years – largely thanks to the fact we couldn’t travel and were all craving the outdoors after months cooped up inside, but also because they’re an easy and romantic way to reconnect with nature. There are loads to choose from, but the Shepherd’s Hut Retreat offers four luxury shepherds huts in the heart of Somerset, perfect for catching up with friends or taking your partner. Each spacious hut is nestled in secluded woodland, has its own patio and fire pit and access to the wood-fired lakeside hot-tub and woodland sauna.
Where? Somerset
How much? From £150 per night.
7. Magic bus, Lake District
After something totally unique? Enter stage right Hinterlandes, otherwise known as Magic Bus, one of the UK’s most – ahem – unusual staycation spots. It’s a converted bus with two vans welded together to form a cosy one-bed staycation location. It sleeps just two, but, nestled into a remote area of The Lake District, is a really dreamy weekend getaway destination. Plus, did we mention the wood-fired hot tub and the bikes available for hire?
Where? The Lake District
How much? From £145 per night.
8. Babington House, Somerset
You’ll have heard of Babington House – a part of the Soho House empire, it’s one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in the UK, set in a Grade II-listed manor in the heart of Somerset. Decompress surrounded by 18 acres of countryside in any of their rooms, the Coach House being our personal favourite. All rooms come with a decadently comfortable four posted bed, freestanding bath, and an open fireplace. Not forgetting the Cowshed Spa, of course..
Where? Somerset
How much? Only available to Soho House members.
9. Hiraeth, Herefordshire
After something a little more, well, colourful? Then it’s time to head to Herefordshire, as there’s a rather colourful barn which will be right up your street. The vibrant holiday destination is an up-cycler’s dream, offering pre-loved and reworked furniture like an inverted antique bathtub, carpenters’ work benches, bicycle sink, and cupboard handles made from old cutlery. It sleeps five, plus you’ll get to lap up total peace and quiet thanks to the surrounding countryside, offering complete privacy and endless woodland walks, not to mention a dedicated hot tub all to yourself.
Where? Herefordshire
How much? From £165 per night.
10. The Lake House, Cheshire
Another perfect UK staycation? This little gem in Cheshire, a lakeside retreat in the countryside. The Lake House not only offers a cosy home away from home equipped with wood burning stove, copper alfresco bath and your very own deck by the lake that you can feed ducks from, but local honey, fruits, and vegetables and fresh duck and hen eggs year-round. Instagram perfect? Check.
Where? Cheshire.
How much? From £145 per night.
11. Treepod, Cornwall
Cornwall’s Lost Meadow Treepod is practically Insta-famous at this point thanks to it’s rather unique positioning in the trees. Taking treehouse staycations to a new level for real nature lovers, it sits in the middle of a forest and promises to be perfect for both star-gazing and bird watching. Don’t worry, it’s cosy, complete with a wood burner and tour-books for the surrounding local area.
Where? Cornwall.
How much? From £105 per night.
12. Kabn, Loch Fyne
Last but by no means least, for those looking for an exemplary blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian contemporary design, look no further than Kabn. Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne just an hour away from Glasgow, Kabn offers an eco-friendly option with a variety of leisure options. With wild swimming, foraging, and even wild cooking experiences, the team at Kabn are passionate about providing authentic and memorable experiences for all guests.
Where? Loch Fyne.
How much? From £235 per night (min 2 nights) or £220 per night (3 nights or more)
So there you have it – twelve gorgeous weekend staycations right here in the UK. What are you waiting for? Get booking…