The best UK staycation ideas according to the Condé Nast Traveller editors
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If you’ve read an article of ours before, you’ll know that we are big believers in the UK staycation. The British Isles are often deemed rainy and grey, passed up for further afield destinations like Spain and Italy. But we’re here to advocate for staying put to explore all that makes the UK so special – from cultural hotspots like London to buzzing villages in Devon and historical treasure chests like York.
The beauty of a UK staycation is that it can be enjoyed without the stress of navigating an airport. Trains, cars, buses or even a ferry can take you to nearly all corners of the country. There’s plenty to discover right on our doorstep, so we’ve asked our well-travelled UK-based team to share their favourite destinations for a holiday in the UK. Amber Port
Getty Images1. Margate
Margate has experienced a renaissance over the last few years, putting itself on the map as a creative hub with a thriving food scene while maintaining the grit and authenticity of a British seaside town. It strikes the ideal balance of a culture-rich getaway without the hustle and bustle of a city break. The Tracy Emin foundation is based in Margate, as is the Turner Contemporary. The Turner’s most recent exhibition was by Steve McQueen, highlighting “how protest shaped Britain and photography shaped protest.” The seaside town is also home to some of my favourite restaurants like Bottega Carusio, a delicious home-style Italian trattoria (be sure to book in advance) and Sargasso from the team behind London’s ever-popular Brawn. And it’s worth popping by Little Swift for one of their spicy margarita slushies on a hot summer’s day. If you’re a coffee lover, head to Forts for a midday pick-me-up and great pup-watching, you heard me right, pup-watching. The Margate Bookshop is a quaint, quirky bookshop in the Old Town – the perfect place to pick up a book for your staycation.
Where to stay
Stay at Margate House – a super stylish townhouse steps from the beach. Terracotta hues, sumptuous couches and velvet textures create a warm, chic place to stay. However, it is adults-only, so if you’re looking for a slightly more family-friendly vibe, I’d recommend Fort Road – a refurbished hotel in one of Margate’s beloved institutions. Sarah Allard
Getty Images2. Norfolk
I visited Norfolk for the first time this past year. After making it to Cornwall, Devon, and Scotland, I thought it was high time to explore the country's eastern part. Norfolk is known as Big Sky Country and for good reason – the seemingly unending landscape rolls on for miles, opening up into an endless expanse of sky. I found myself on the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, where unspoilt coastline is paired with quaint towns brimming with independent shops and tasty restaurants. Each town feels relatively untouched by the likes of Londoners, with a sense of individuality and regional pride. Wells-next-the-sea is distinctly special, where higgeldy piggeldy streets are lined with chocolate-box houses that are merely a walk away from the town’s famed beach, peppered with pines and colourful beach huts. Holt is another charming must-visit destination - get to Norfolk Natural Living and treat yourself to some of their hand soap and moisturiser.
Where to stay
I’d recommend staying at Blackwood Norfolk. It’s ideally located between all the destinations you’ll want to explore and is close to Norfolk. It’s the perfect homestay for a friend's getaway or family holiday – taking inspiration from a Scandinavian summer home, Blackwood is a minimalist’s dream. Earthy tones and textures invite the outdoor light and natural beauty via the large-scale windows. The living area is the heart of the home, opening up into the picturesque garden. Amber Port
Getty Images3. Totnes
Totnes is a lovely little town tucked away in the heart of Devon’s beautiful countryside, with the River Dart meandering through the centre. The town is known for its independent shops and restaurants, all exuding genuine pride and fierce protection of all that Totnes represents. It’s the perfect staycation for exploring a beautiful town that embodies that idea of community, while having unfettered access to some of the most stunning natural sites in the country, like Dartmoor National Park. There’s much to explore, but the highlight is visiting some of the tastiest restaurants in the UK – all of which are highly seasonal and local to Devon. The Bull Inn is located in Totnes, titling itself as an “organic, ethical pub”, serving up some of the region's tastiest food. The menu changes daily, but you can expect veg-first small plates to die for. Next up on my recommended foodie tour is the famed Riverford Field Kitchen, where a “veg-centric seasonal feast” is served with ingredients directly from their Field Kitchen Garden and nearby farms. Riverford Field Kitchen's sticky toffee pudding is the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. Overall, Totnes is a destination where you want to spend time, but it also has plenty to offer in the surrounding area.
Where to stay:
The Bull Inn has nine cosy rooms, all reasonably priced and ethically sourced. You can expect contemporary yet straightforward designs with all the home comforts, sans a TV, so you can unplug from day-to-day life and unwind during your holiday. Amber Port
Getty Images4. York
York is a city of many truths – from Romans and Vikings to Michelin-star restaurants and contemporary art galleries. It’s the perfect place for a getaway, especially for couples. The city is rich in history, and its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales and the coast makes for a wonderful balance. If you’re headed up to York, you might as well splurge, right? Booking into Mýse an incredible evening of food and a sleepover in Mýse Cottage for an extra treat. York Minster is the city’s claim to fame – Northern Europe’s largest medieval Gothic cathedral, dating back to 1470. It’s worth booking a Hidden Minster tour to visit this incredible structure's nooks and crannies. And last but not least, make your way to some of the cosiest pubs in the UK. York is home to many old-school boozers, brimming with endless charm. First stop? The Blue Bell – York’s smallest pub – “a proper pub for proper pub people."
Where to stay:
There are plenty of lovely hotels in York – from heritage stays to new boutique boltholes. I’d recommend staying at No.1 York, choc-a-bloc with quirky interiors and unique suites, each with the finely sourced details that make particular hotel stays stand out. The hotel is in a Grade II-listed Regency townhouse in Bootham. The rooms are light and breezy with beautiful touches of colour to warm up the space. Amber Port
Getty Images5. Brighton
I lived in Brighton for four years, so it’s a place close to my heart. Plus, a spell as a tourist would give me the chance to check into some of the city’s best hotels rather than schlepping home to my decidedly less glamorous flat. I’d spend the day wandering up and down the seafront and flexing my debit card in the Laines before stopping for a pick-me-up aperitif at bijou cocktail bar Twisted Lemon. Then I’d make my way over to Hove to finally try the glamorous waterfront restaurant Rockwater. It was massively hyped before launch, but I’ve heard mixed reviews, so I’m keen to see for myself.
Where to stay: The Artist’s Residence would be my hotel of choice. It’s just two minutes from the beach, so I could head out for a sea swim before breakfast the next morning. Would I actually do it? Probably not. But I could if I wanted to, and that’s what matters. Charley Ward, commerce writer
Alamy6. Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth. This corner of Cornwall has everything, from excellent restaurants to beautiful sandy beaches. The town itself is friendly and injected with creative energy from the university – making it the perfect destination for a UK staycation. My ideal day would start at Max Bagels for a delicious hand-rolled lox bagel. I’d then mosey down the high street, visiting independent shops like Sam Marks Ceramics, Ondine Ash and Ludgate House Antiques. I’d recommend taking a boat out to catch some fresh Mackerel in the early afternoon, but if that’s not your thing, then take a walk through meandering streets to Gyllvngvase Beach. This stretch of sand makes for perfect swims, and Gylly Beach Cafe is perfect for watching the sunset. I’d have a pre-dinner drink at The Oddfellows Arms, followed by a delicious meal at Restaurant MINE. There’s no going wrong when visiting Falmouth, so whether you’re an adventure seeker, beach lover or foodie, this is the UK staycation for you.
Where to stay: For a property with a difference, consider one of Airbnbs cabins, like Cedar Studio, which also has its own sauna on site – perfect for post sea swims or thawing the bones after a blustery coastal walk. Packet House is the perfect home to rent for a staycation with family or friends. The house boasts three beautiful rooms, each with a unique take and a beautiful ocean or garden view. There are plenty of nooks for reading, dosing and watching boats on the harbour. Our favourite feature was the kitchen – the heart of the home and perfect for big meals spent with loved ones. Amber Port, audience development manager
Getty Images7. Deal
I grew up on the East Coast, so whenever I get the chance to visit a British beach, you can bet I’ll take it. Deal holds a special place in my heart as it was our first post-Covid trip back in July 2020. After four months of being cooped up in my East London flat, escaping to this pretty seaside town for a fix of fish and chips, sea air and sunshine was made even more heavenly with a stay at The Rose – a charming boutique hotel with great food and dreamy interiors.
Where to stay: The Rose is my favourite hotel in Deal, a quintessential seaside stay with bold colours and unique bedrooms to boot. The bar and restaurant are led by Rachel O’Sullivan, previously of East London’s Towpath Café, so guests are guaranteed a tasty trip. If you're happy to stay a little out of town, then I'd also recommend Updown Farmhouse a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse with meandering gardens and delicious food. Sarah Allard, digital editor
Emma Lewis8. Batcombe, Somerset
Batcombe is a chocolate box village burrowed in the rolling hills of the River Alham Valley. This charming corner of Somerset is blessed with rich greens and punctuated by picturesque cottages, both of which the UK countryside is famed for. It maintains a level of peace that few city-dwellers experience, but with the allure of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, a killer Saturday market in Frome and an easy enough drive to Bristol or Bath. Batcombe really is the UK staycation that dreams are made of, and if you're hoping to try some of Somerset's best restaurants, you're in luck.
Where to stay: Somerset has many advantages – beautiful countryside, proximity to some of the UK’s best cities and abundant farm shops to boot. It’s only in recent years that the county has put itself on the foodie map, with the likes of The Newt and Babington House opening, and now, the Three Horseshoes in Batcombe. This restaurant with rooms reopened in 2023 – a brainchild of three creative masterminds – Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen, interior designer Frances Pen and landscape designer Libby Russell. We pull into the Three Horseshoes nuzzled in the rolling hills of the Riber Alham Valley in the chocolate-box village of Batcombe. The limestone Church of St Mary the Virgin comes into view as we meander past the immaculate lawn and wild bunches of September blooms leading up to the pub. The interiors are down-to-earth minimalism – candle-lit tables, handwritten specials and various artworks pepper the walls. It’s the type of place you want to spend all afternoon and evening eating, drinking and being merry with mates. We make our way to Room 4 (one of five) nestled under the eaves of the 17th-century pub, and are greeted by a cosy yet chic space – it’s all understated, quiet taste that still manages to make you feel at home. A Noguchi Akari pendant light hangs in the centre of the space, creating a warm glow that washes over the room. Berber and jute rugs are layered upon one another, while a natural linen throw adorns the bed – perfectly paired with the candy cane striped headboard. The bathtub is ensconced in pearl white zellige tiles and equipped with bath salts for a relaxing soak. We mosey on downstairs and take up at our table – starting with a negroni to set the tone for the evening. The food is unpretentious – wholesome, hearty dishes that keep locals and visitors returning for more. There’s a no-nonsense, local approach to this menu, with servers telling us that certain items are off the menu for the day. We start with fried green tomatoes, zingy caper mayonnaise, and grilled squid before turning our attention to the mains. I order an unbelievably tender roast sika haunch with earthy beetroot and a horseradish kick, while my friend goes with roast lamb leg that melts in your mouth. Next up, pudding, an apricot pavlova that I’ll dream about for months or possibly forever. We finish with a digestif before finding our way upstairs and plopping onto the bed for a peaceful sleep. We wake up to a sunny Monday in Somerset to enjoy a breakfast of thick yoghurt, stewed apricot and homemade granola, while wishing we never had to leave this charming valley. Amber Port, senior audience development manager
Getty Images9. Dartmouth
For winding down from one chapter and starting anew. Back in November, the weekend before my first day at Condé Nast, my partner picked me up from my old office, arms full of Champagne and flowers and drove us through the night to Dartmouth, Devon. Our arrival was greeted by the myriad of colours reflecting off the River Dart from the lit-up houses lining the quay and stillness, which would be borderline eerie if it wasn’t for the echoes of laughter coming from families and friends in the local restaurants and pubs. Waking up to glittering winter sunshine is worth the visit alone but once you see Aegean-esque water and the foray of colourful coastal houses and cobbled streets, you could easily believe your travels have taken you as far as the Italian Riviera. Round off your stay with dinner at the Rockfish for the catch of the day and a glass of prosecco. Well worth the journey from London, no matter how long the stay.
Where to stay: Ellesmera Mill is 400 years old and is a stunning feat of a restoration project. The old millhouse is tucked away in a vallery near Dartmouth and South Hams, shaded by trees and just a stroll away from Blackpool Sands. The stay can house 10 guests and is equipped with a wood-fired hot tub and sauna for the ultimate end to a day of exploring. Megan Wilkes, art production manager
Getty Images10. The New Forest
I think the best time to do a staycation is in autumn when long walks are accompanied by vibrant foliage and pub dinners feel wonderfully cosy. There are plenty of places where you can see autumn leaves in the UK, but my favourite would have to be the New Forest, particularly the charming town of Burley. There are plenty of scenic walks to take through the forest, where you might bump into a friendly New Forest pony.
Where to stay: To stay and eat, Burley Manor does a cracking good Sunday lunch, while upstairs its rooms overlook the neighbouring deer sanctuary. If you happen to visit on Halloween, which I coincidentally did one year, the town has a unique history of witchcraft – there are a couple of witch shops lining the main street – and hosts a Halloween street parade where fancy dress is encouraged. Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
11. London
London. I’ve lived here for four years, but it’s still my favourite city anywhere in the world. And it’s such a rare joy to be here with nothing to do and nowhere to be. I’d wake up early at Hazlitt’s in Soho, which feels like a very rich person’s very grand country house, and walk through the neighbourhood’s windy streets, past the people just heading home from the night before, to Covent Garden restaurant Balthazar for a big, bustling breakfast. I’d pop by Somerset House to peek at its latest exhibition, then head for a stroll along the river. Lunch at Borough Market, including a doughnut from Bread Ahead, and then I’d lose the afternoon at the George Inn. I’d sober up with supper at Bao, for pillowy buns stuffed with soft pork confit or crispy fried chicken, and then meet friends for cocktails on the roof of The Hoxton, Southwark, which is like summer in a rooftop bar. And then I’d file for bankruptcy.
Where to stay: London is not short of beautiful hotels, whether you're looking for a sumptuous stay at Claridge's in Mayfair or a more outlandish affair at the Broadwick Soho, this city has it all. Check out Condé Nast Traveller's definitive list of the best hotels in London if you're looking for more inspiration. Sarah James, deputy digital editor
Getty Images12. Isle of Arran
My family and I went Isle of Arran last summer and had a magical week gorge walking (turns out I’m still scared of heights and the final jump was not my finest hour), fishing, lobster potting, spotting seals along the shore and pods of dolphins on the horizon. On a trip over to Saddell Bay (there’s a striking Antony Gormley sculpture called GRIP there) we saw a basking shark, a great big thing that swam surprisingly elegantly alongside the boat before disappearing into the deep, much to the children's disappointment. Days on Arran tend to float by in a happy blur of exploring, eating delicious local seafood and enjoying vibrant sunsets which turn the sky bright orange and feel like the perfect full stop on a summer’s day.
Where to stay: Dougarie Estate on the Isle of Arran off the West Coast of Scotland has recently become one of my favourite places in the world. Our friends Jules and Jamie Gibbs run the estate and they have done an extraordinary job over the past couple of years – protecting the unique beauty of the landscape while making it more accessible and appealing to visitors. Louisa Parker Bowles, global operations director
Getty Images13. The Brecon Beacons
Earlier this year I went to the Brecon Beacons for the first time. The variety of landscapes was a revelation. In the morning you can be hiking through wooded gorges or standing behind the triple cascades of the beautiful Sgwd yr Eira waterfall, enveloped by sandstone cliffs, mosses and trees. By the afternoon you are on the summit of Pen y Fan, South Wales’s highest mountain, staring in lordly fashion at the sweeping, grassy valleys below. We had a robust lunch at Lolfa, a cool café on an industrial estate in Llandeilo – a splash of urban in an otherwise quaint market town filled with rainbow-pastel houses and narrow streets.
Where to stay: Our accommodation was Llangoedmor House, which is a Grade II-listed cottage in the village of Myddfai on the edge of the national park. Waking up to sunshine and absolute silence in the mornings was heavenly. Noo Saro-Wiwa, features writer
Getty Images14. Scottish Highlands
Many years ago I went on a winter staycation to Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. We did absolutely nothing except eat good food, read books, watch films and go for long, rambling walks through mulchy moors and hills covered in thick blankets of heather. It’s so silent in the hinterlands surrounding Ullapool you could trek for hours without seeing anyone. One of our favourite hikes was up snow-covered Stac Pollaidh – watch out for the occasional storm swooping between the mountains, a thrilling interruption to the peaceful serenity. Reward long walks with a trip to Lochinver Larder for the best pie you’ll ever have.
Where to stay: One of the best castles to rent in Scotland is a sure way to bask in the aftermath of hit TV show, The Traitors, and the Fortalice captures everything Alternatively, I recommend staying in the Stonehouses, two retreats sculpted into the landscape overlooking Ullapool, Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. Olivia Morelli, senior digital writer
Getty Images15. Anglesey, Wales
Growing up in the Midlands, many of my family holidays were in North Wales – so there’s certainly a hint of nostalgia owed to my delight in revisiting the sandy shores of Anglesey. That’s not to say the island doesn’t merit a spot on this list; in my opinion, it’s home to some of the best beaches in the UK, with stunning white sands and the clearest water I’m yet to find north of southern Spain.
Where to stay: If I was heading back now, I’d treat myself to a stay at Château Rhianfa – a Grade II-listed fairytale of a property, with views overlooking the Snowdonia mountains and its own stunning gardens to explore. It’s also the perfect base to enjoy the wonderfully charming Snowdonia Mountain Railway; a steam train that journeys to the summit of Snowdon, and has some of the most incredible views you’ll experience on a train journey in the UK, if not the world. Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager
Sophie Knight16. Braemar, Scotland
Braemar in the Scottish Highlands, which is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. It’s somewhere I’ve been visiting with my family since I was a child. Memories of swimming in the breathtakingly cold mountain water of the Linn of Dee, climbing multiple munros and heading out with torches at night to spot the deer on the roadside. Sophie Knight, senior visuals editor
Where to stay: The Fife Arms is a transformed highland hunting lodge in Braemar. The hotel is a passion project of Manuela and Iwan Wirth, arguable some of the most influential contemporary-art dealers out there today. Art and design is injected into every nook and cranny of this exciting stay in the Scottish highlands.
17. Perthshire
Perthshire is perfectly located on the Highland Boundary fault, drawing visitors in ragged peaks, dense woodlands and mysterious locks. It's the perfect UK staycation for the outdoorsy type with hiking, rafting and fishing on your doorstep. The natural beauty is matched with historical landmarks like Scone Palace and the Maggie Wall Witch Monument. Pete Winterbottom, creative director
Where to stay: The Meikleour Arms, Perthshire. It’s a perfect little bolthole, nothing flashy, close to the Lower and Middle Tay beats and is known for some of the best spring salmon fishing in the country. The pub has a hearty fire and serves the best homemade pork scratchings and apple sauce, which goes down very well with a pint of 80 shilling.
Soho Farmhouse18. The Cotswolds
Some of our favourite hotels in the UK also happen to be the best hotels in the Cotswolds, and there's no shortage of cottages, airbnbs and family-friendly places to stay in this in-demand part of Oxfordshire. Walking trails and charismatic villages here are like something out of a film set, and each pub is as charming and cosy as the next. Almost all seem to come with an open invite for four-legged friends.
Where to stay: There's a subtle underlying Alice in Wonderland theme at Cowley Manor, and it adds to the magic of a UK countryside stay. That, plus the Experimental Group's penchant for creative cocktail making and picture-perfect interiors. At Soho Farmhouse, a beautiful collection of cabins with outdoor baths, family-sized, child and dog-friendly rooms, restaurants and stables along with a spa and pool are nestled in 100 acres of land. The Health Club and Boathouse feature an indoor-outdoor swimming pool looking out onto a lake. Whether you want to party, mingle with the cool crowd, preview a film in the Electric Barn or hide out in your cabin, you will emerge feeling revived – all without airport delays. Jessica Rach, global content manager
Getty Images19. Isle of Man
A trip back to the Isle of Man where I grew up is just a one-hour flight from London or you can get the ferry from Liverpool (though hope for fair weather!). You get the best of both country and seaside and I love to go for long walks in the fresh air. A hike up our mountain, Snaefell, on a clear day rewards you with an amazing 360-degree view of Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland. There are a number of brilliant little restaurants with fresh produce and seafood on the menu, particularly along the quay in Douglas. My favourite will always be Enzo’s for its delicious lobster and Manx queenie dishes. Natasha Callin, commercial director
Where to stay: Isle of Man isn't necessarily known for it's luxurious stays so we've picked some fun Airbnbs for a quirky couples trip or family getaway. This cosy Hut in Laxey is a fun getaway for couples focused on exploring the island, while Thie Spooyt has space for six guests and boasts sweeping views of the countryside.