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My Top 5 UK Staycation Destinations

My Top 5 UK Staycation Destinations

Posted on: Sunday 21 May 2017

Following on from last week's post about my hopes to explore more of the UK, I thought I'd delve a little into the places I have been in this country. Turns out I've been to some beautiful places and I have such amazing memories of all of them so I thought I'd do a little round up of my top five staycation destinations in case you need a little inspo of where to visit. This is a complete mixture of city breaks and entire counties I've explored all over the country so all completely different experiences, but all equally amazing.

LONDON // I mean, obviously. This list isn't in any particular order, but if it was I'm pretty sure London would be number one. It was my home for three years and the thing I love most about London is that however many times you go back there's always something new to see and endless things to do. Equally, I love revisiting places I already love; I could walk along Southbank all day because there's something about it that makes me so happy. There's really something for everyone in London and if you're not a fan of the hustle and bustle there are some gorgeous places to visit a little further out - Kew Gardens is one of my absolute favourites. 

view of The Shard and other London rooftops through some trees on a moody grey day


CORNWALL // I couldn't narrow it down to just one place to visit in this gorgeous county so just go everywhere OK? Cornwall is possibly the most relaxing place ever and the weather has always been glorious when I've visited so it's one of those places where in my head it's always sunny (disclaimer: it's probably not). Cornwall is the type of place that's just nice to walk around because everything is so pretty and its the most abroad I've felt while still being in the UK (if that makes any sense). Two places I'd definitely recommend visiting are St Ives because it's the prettiest town I have ever been to and Crantock beach (pictured below) which is a tidal beach that has a river running through it when the tide comes in plus there's the cutest cliff top café overlooking the beach with a little bridge leading to it for use when the tide is in. Dreamy.

a tidal beach, long sandy beach with a waterway running down the side, bridge leading to a cliff side


GLASGOW // And to completely the other end of the country is Glasgow. Because it's so close to Edinburgh, which is a beautiful city itself I feel like Glasgow often gets overlooked or seen as a poor relation, but it's definitely an amazing city in its own right. The buildings are gorgeous, there are so many amazing places to eat and drink (apparently it's the vegan capital of the UK) and my personal highlight is the botanic gardens, which are so gorgeous. It's the kind of place that I'd really love to live if it wasn't so far away from my family because it has so much character. Definitely a city break worth putting on the to visit list!

huge greenhouse roof with blue sky


NORTHUMBERLAND // Because I grew up partly in Newcastle I have explored Northumberland a fair bit in the past, but it was only when I decided to walk Hadrian's Wall a couple of years ago that I got a real feel for it. There is so much history that's part of the landscape and it's a part of the country where you feel like you can really switch off from everyday life (unless you live there I guess...) My top recommendations would include Alnwick Castle (partly because it's gorge, but mainly because Harry Potter) and the area around Vindolanda (pictured below) because there's uninterrupted countryside and it's obviously a pretty good place for a hike! There are also some amazing but affordable places to stay around Northumberland; accommodation around the wall the wall is so cheap yet quaint and full of character.

a wonky stone wall winding through fields


BATH // Bath is somewhere that I've visited a fair few times, but still feel like I need to go again. The buildings are absolutely gorgeous, just the houses themselves are stunning and although there's plenty to do I don't feel like it's your typical fast paced city break because it's the type of place you just want to walk around and drink in the beauty of your surroundings. It's not often that city breaks are necessarily relaxing but I feel like Bath is one of those rare exceptions - plenty to see and do but perfectly chilled. Take me there now? 

Where are your favourite places to visit in the UK?


Amy x

Comments

  1. Oh that's absolutely amazing. Bath and Glasgow are on my travel list as well (although, the UK is hardly a staycation for me)

    love, kerstin
    http://www.missgetaway.com/

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    1. Haha, well these would be my top 5 UK breaks if you're not in the UK too! Hope you get to visit :) xx

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  2. Great post. I love it in Cornwall and Devon. Have a great start to your week.

    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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    1. Cornwall is so lovely - Devon is next on the list! xx

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  3. Anyone visiting London should definitely check out Oxford for a day, it's such a short trip and there is so much to see in the city! Everything can be explored by foot (all the famous landmarks are within a 10/15 minute walk of each other) and it has a bit of a different feel to London, well worth experiencing! I would also love to visit Glasgow and Cornwall as I've never been! I want to check out the Eden Project!

    Abbey 💕 www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk

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    1. Do you know, I've never been to Oxford! I think that definitely needs to go on my list, thanks for the recommendation Abbey! xx

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  4. That's it, I need to visit Glasgow now! I loved St Ives too, such a charming place, and totally agree about Southbank - I also lived in London for a few years but I could wander endlessly there. It reminds me of carefree summers and pretty dresses and you cant go wrong with that really can you. This is a great idea for a post by the way, loving the UK appreciation!
    Sophie xxx | Sophar So Good

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    1. Yes you should definitely check out Glasgow, it's such a great city! St Ives is gorgeous isn't it :) xx

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  5. What a great list Amy, I really want to visit Northumberland so thanks for the tips! I really like visiting Whitstable in Kent and the Lake District too!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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    1. Aw yeah you definitely should :) I've never been to Kent actually so that's one to add to the list! xx

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  6. YAY for Bath!!!! I live here and have done my entire life and I love it. It's just such a picturesque city and whenever I see people here in photos, it makes me smile! Cornwall is a huge huge yes for me too! I love it there, especially St. Ives! And of course, London for shopping is just perfect!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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    1. Aw what a lovely place to live! That would be the dream haha xx

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  7. I loooove Glasgow and Cornwall, they're definitely my favourites! Saying that though, I feel like Wales is a million gazlillion times better than anything London has to offer, have you ever been? I love these photos also, such unique angles.

    Amy;
    Little Moon Elephant

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    1. No I actually haven't ever been to Wales, definitely need to pay it a visit at some point! Where would you recommend? xx

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  8. Bath and London are two of my favourite staycation destinations as well! Bath is particularly special, no matter the weather. Thanks for the suggestion of Glasgow by the way, I'd not thought of staying there before :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice | Worldwide NARS Beauty Giveaway x

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    1. I'm sure you'd love it - I'd never have thought of going if my best friend didn't live there! xx

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  9. I love visiting London too, there's always something new and exciting going on down there; whether it's the latest instragrammable restaurant or a new pop-up. I love browsing the markets and trying out the various cuisines too. I'd have to say Stratford-Upon-Avon is my favourite place in the U.K. it's quintessentially British and I love the history. I'd never thought of Glasgow and need to know more of the Harry Potter place in Northumberland.
    Thanks for sharing, I am hoping to travel around the U.K. more too :)
    Jaz xoxo
    http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk

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    1. I need to get myself to Stratford again, I haven't been for a very long time and would love to explore there! xx

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  10. Oh my word. The UK is #vacationgoals! xx

    Blessings,
    Edye | Http://gracefulcoffee.com

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    1. It really is, I hope you get to visit someday lovely! xx

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  11. These places are stunning! I just followed you on Instagram!

    Natalie Gennaoui

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    1. All so nice aren't they, thanks lovely! x

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