The top UK holiday destinations to visit for a top staycation
Looking for holiday ideas to explore Britain's wonderful highlights? We're here to help and have rounded up the very best UK holiday destinations to visit.
When it comes to escaping the daily grind, the UK offers incredible sites you just won't find abroad. From our amazing railways taking you through breathtaking countryside to our quaint villages and historic cities, there's so much to explore at home, whether you have a weekend or longer for a trip.
The best UK holiday destinations are found all around Britain too, from north to south. There are the Hebrides, offering wild, remote beauty, and the Cotswolds, whose enchanting rural scenery will leave you utterly mesmerised.
Pembrokeshire is an exceptional place for dramatic views, while the Isles of Scilly are ideal for experiencing Caribbean-like beaches without the carbon footprint. The opportunities to see the charms of the UK are endless.
Whether you're planning on travelling as a couple, with your family, or solo, you'll find a variety of places in the UK for an amazing staycation.
1. Northumberland
England's northernmost county is prized for its expansive rural landscapes, from vast grazing land in the north to the Pennine moors and dales in the southwest, as well as the sandy beaches and dunes of the eastern coast. There are many mysterious castles dotting these landscapes, like Alnwick Castle, which has made appearances in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey.
Another of Northumberland’s selling points is its pristine dark skies and extremely low levels of light pollution. It’s one of the best places in the country to discover the night sky and go stargazing, boasting International Dark Sky Reserve status. Join Country Living's special stargazing trip to Northumberland and you'll get to see these dark skies with a knowledgeable local astronomer.
When? March 2025
2. Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is an incredibly scenic part of south-west Wales. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this county offers seemingly endless coastal walks with awe-inspiring views. Along the coast, you will discover meandering trails leading to quaint harbours, hidden coves, and quirky towns, including Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.
One highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast is the pretty village of Fishguard. From here you can explore the ancient woodlands of the Gwaun Valley, on a walking trail that takes in the River Gwaun, the medieval Llanychllwydog Pillar Stones, and the ancient St Brynach Church.
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3. Cotswolds
One of the most picturesque regions you'll find in all of Britain, the Cotswolds are home to chocolate box villages, miles of rolling countryside and grand stately homes. Covering 800 square miles of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, you can only imagine how much there is to explore.
The Cotswolds' many fine gardens are one of its main selling points. From cosy cottage gardens blooming with rose and wisteria to the grand manicured ground of country estates, there's plenty for green-fingered travellers to enjoy.
If you join Country Living's special five-day retreat you'll explore some of the region's finest gardens, including Sudeley Castle, Painswick Rococo Garden and Batsford Arboretum. A highlight will be visiting the Costwolds Farm Park with TV farmer Adam Henson, who will show you around and tell you more about his conservation work and sustainable farming.
When? September 2025
4. Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales offer spectacular rural scenery where you can truly soak up the beauty of England in the north of the country. This is a land of rolling hills, scenic rail journeys, quaint market towns and bracing walks. Travelling by heritage railway is one of the best ways to explore the gorgeous Dales, and the Pennine Bridleway offers fabulous routes for taking in the scenery by foot.
Walking is an excellent way to take in the Yorkshire Dales’ breathtaking views and charming villages. You’ll also want to hop aboard the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, and steam through the landscapes that inspired the Brontë sisters.
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5. The Hebrides
The wildlife, white sand beaches and ample walking opportunities, Scotland's Inner and Outer Hebrides are an utter delight. The more than 50 inhabited islands off the west coast of the country offer island hopping at its finest - because who needs Greece and Croatia when we have the islands of Islay, Mull, Harris and Lewis? It's here that you can truly immerse yourself in Britain's natural beauty by spotting puffins, eagles and deer.
There are enchanting castles to discover too, such as Duart Castle on Mull and Dunvegan Castle on Skye, plus there's whisky to try and dark skies for stargazing. Join an island-hopping adventure around the Hebrides with Country Living on a five-day trip. You'll stay on the island of Benbecula and visit Eriskay, Barra, Harris and Lewis. Travel journalist and broadcaster Monty Halls will join you for a day exploring the islands of Eriskay and Barra and host a talk and Q&A.
When? September 2025
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6. London
It might not be the first place you think of for a staycation if you're looking to practice slow travel, but there's more to the capital than its famous squares and skyscrapers. Look beyond the concrete and there are some glorious gardens and green spaces to find peace and nature in the city. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew is a classic example. With over 320 acres of green space and tropical glasshouses, it's a little paradise in the city.
There are also many smaller or lesser-known gardens to discover, such as Chelsea Physic Garden, located on the edge of the Thames and home to one of the oldest rock gardens in Europe. It also has a herb garden with culinary and medicinal plants, rare plants and tender species, and the largest outdoor olive tree in Britain.
Then, of course, there are the capital's many famous parks, from Hyde Park, with its spectacular 40-acre Serpentine Lake, to Richmond Park, with its ancient trees and free-roaming deer. A stay in Richmond will also put you in prime position to discover nearby Kew Gardens. Check in at the Richmond Hill Hotel with our special offer and you'll be moments away from the park, with sweeping vistas over Petersham Meadows.
Alternatively, if you fancy checking out some of London's finest palaces and historical buildings, why not join Country Living's exclusive four-day trip with Tudor historian and author Tracy Borman. You'll visit Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle from your base at the wonderful five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel on the banks of the Thames.
When? April 2025
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7. Kent
A haven for gardeners, Kent is a superb county for seeing England at its very best. Here, you can stroll through writer Vita Sackville-West's Sissinghurst Castle Garden, take in the impossibly pretty manor house Ightham Mote and sip delicious wine at Chapel Down.
There's plenty to explore in Kent, from gorgeous gardens to vineyards and castles. A great place for a couples' escape, there's romance all around and if you're after a quintessentially British country getaway, there are miles of it to discover on two feet - or two wheels. On Country Living's gardens of Kent and Sussex tour, you'll explore some of the beautiful attractions in the county and beyond. You'll be joined by garden designer Sarah Raven, visiting Sarah's own garden. Visits to Sissinghurst, Great Comp and Scotney Castle are included.
When? June 2025
8. Jurassic Coast
A place so beautiful it often features on posters for British tourism, the Jurassic Coast is a UK holiday destination everyone should visit at least once. It was England's first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and if you like beaches, you'll find a whopping 95 miles of dramatic coastline to discover.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are its most iconic spots, while the pretty seaside towns of Swanage, Lyme Regis and West Bay are worth adding to your list. This spectacular region in Dorset has plenty of history, too - we're talking dinosaur history! Famous around the world as one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains, the Jurassic Coast is the place to join a fossil hunting walk.
With direct access to the Jurassic Coast, Dorset House is an elegant Regency house standing at the top of Lyme Regis's steep main street, a 10-minute walk from the seafront. It offers upmarket yet cosy B&B accommodation in just five rooms and boasts stunning sea views.
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9. Isles of Scilly
Sitting 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, these idyllic islands are the UK's answer to the Caribbean. The heavenly white sands, turquoise waters and slightly milder climate make the Isles of Scilly a UK holiday destination everyone should have on their bucket list. Five of the 140 isles are inhabited (St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes) and boast some of Britain's most outstanding attractions, including Tresco Abbey Garden.
There are dark skies for stargazing, wildlife that thrives (including puffins and Atlantic grey seals), plus the laidback lifestyle that's high on most island holiday wish lists.
You'll find a range of hotels, cottages and B&Bs to book in the Isles of Scilly, such as St Mary's Hall Hotel in Hugh Town, St Mary's. But for an unforgettable tour of the islands, join Country Living's exclusive trip with wildlife and nature expert Julian Branscombe to really get to know the flora and fauna of this wonderful archipelago.
When? April and September 2025
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10. Norfolk
With its royal attractions, wonderful wildlife and postcard-perfect scenery, Norfolk is a marvellous destination for your UK bucket list. Marvel at its windmills, watch the seals and their pups and be amazed by the unspoilt countryside. There's no better way to explore Norfolk's charms than by train, with the Bittern Line, Poppy Line, Bure Valley Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway providing relaxing rides.
Join Country Living on a special trip to Norfolk with acclaimed historian Lucy Worsley. You'll visit the Royal Family's Sandringham Estate and take in the nature of the Broads on a paddle boat. Lucy will give an illuminating talk about Sandringham and the Modern Monarchy and answer your questions in a Q&A session.
When? April, May, June and September 2025
11. Cornwall
The Cornish coast is home to some of the best beaches in the UK. With its miles and miles of picturesque coastline, with quaint fishing villages, golden sandy beaches, and rugged, towering cliffs, it's easy to see why this county is one of the UK's favourite spots for a staycation.
But the beaches are far from the only reason people love Cornwall. It's also known as a foodie haven, especially the pretty port town of Padstow, where top chef Rick Stein has opened several restaurants and cafes.
Get to know Cornwall's stunning coast and excellent food with a special stay in one of Rick Stein's Shepherd's Huts, nestled in the grounds of his pub, the Cornish Arms, just minutes from Padstow. With Country Living's special offer, you'll be treated to a three-course dinner at The Cornish Arms and a portion of cod and chips to take away from one of Rick Stein's fish and chips shops.
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Another of Rick Stein's Padstow staples is the lovely St Petroc's Bistro, a cosy restaurant with ten guest rooms just a few minutes' stroll from the sea. Country Living has a special offer for a two-night stay which includes a three-course lunch in St Petroc's Bistro with a glass of champagne and a three-course à la carte dinner in The Seafood Restaurant.
12. Peak District
The Peak District is one of the UK's most beloved National Parks thanks to its dramatic scenery of wild, rolling moors and hills adorned in vibrant purple heather. It's a favourite of walkers, who find quaint pubs nestled within historic villages to warm up in after memorably scenic strolls. It's also a magnet for landscape artists, who come here to capture the beauty of its awe-inspiring vistas on canvas.
Country Living has an exclusive Peak District break where you'll be staying at Mosborough Hall, a restored 12th-century manor house in the pretty village of Mosborough, surrounded by idyllic countryside. You'll enjoy a two course dinner on your first night in the hotel's excellent Darcy's restaurant, plus a delicious afternoon tea on your second day.
13. Bath
When it comes to UK holiday destinations for history-lovers, it's hard to beat beautiful Bath. This elegant city was founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans who were drawn by the natural hot springs which they turned into a thermal spa. You can still visit the Roman baths to this day, which are among the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
The city also has a rich Georgian history, thanks to its expansion in the 18th century. Visitors today enjoy wandering along its elegant streets built from warm, honey-coloured stone. Join County Living's day trip to Bath to spend some time discovering these buildings, including the iconic Royal Crescent. You'll travel to Bath on the glorious Belmond British Pullman, relaxing in the train's restored Art-Deco carriages, sipping a Bellini and enjoying a delicious three-course brunch as you glide through the countryside.
When? April 2025
14. Oxfordshire
Full of quintessentially English villages, rolling Cotswolds countryside and impressive historic buildings, Oxfordshire is one of the finest parts of southern England for a weekend getaway. Blenheim Palace is one of the county's top attractions, where you can marvel at the stately home's incredible history, lavish interiors, imposing Great Hall, ornate State Rooms, Churchill Exhibition, Marlborough Maze and formal Italian gardens.
Join Country Living on a day trip to Blenheim Palace on board the luxury Belmond British Pullman. You'll ride through the Oxfordshire countryside in you lovingly restored carriage, enjoying a sparkling Bellini and a delicious brunch as you go.
On arrival, enjoy a giuded tour of the monumental baroque country house with free time to explore its glorious grounds. It's then time to step back on board to enjoy a three-course seasonal menu accompanied with the sommelier's handpicked wines as the train makes its way back to London.
When? May 2025
If you'd prefer to spend the night in Oxfordshire, there's no better place to stay than the exquisite Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. A quintessential British country house with a French flair, this retreat is the vision of Michelin-starred French chef, Raymond Blanc. With Country Living's exclusive stay, you'll spend one night at the hotel and enjoy a seven-course dinner in the two Michelin-starred restaurant.
When? Until March 2025
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