Top 10 UK Staycation Destinations for 2020

If you are in two minds about a 2020 holiday abroad or a UK staycation, fear not, as we have complied a list of the finest destinations for UK holidays, sure to help make up your mind and keep you on home soil.

Now more than ever, we are all daydreaming about getting away from it all and booking a holiday. However, with the current restrictions around travelling aboard, it is clear that UK staycations are becoming a more desirable choice.

But what is a staycation?

A staycation does not mean that you have to scroll through Instagram enviably looking at other people’s sunny holidays. A staycation is the perfect time to dust off that list of all the places that you have been meaning to visit, minus the long security line at the airport, the extensive travel time and the expensive costs.

Whether you fancy exploring your home country’s wild coastlines, romantic cities or cosy towns, the diverse landscape of the UK is the perfect place for that long-awaited staycation.

Read on to discover the top 10 UK staycation destinations for 2020…

1. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Situated off the west coast of Scotland is this tiny island, connected to the mainland by the impressive Skye Bridge. A staycation on the Isle of Skye is the perfect excuse to enjoy a remote holiday cottage, where you can truly get away from it all to switch off your thoughts and admire your wonderful surroundings.

The Isle of Syke is famous for its dramatic landscapes, peaceful fishing villages and medieval castles, so it is the perfect place to staycation if you are in pursuit of a tranquil oasis to spend time relaxing.

Enjoy an authentic experience with walks through the iconic landscape of Waternish Peninsula, before sampling the finest whiskey at the Talisker Distillery. Be sure to visit the brightly painted houses in the peaceful harbour town of Portree, where you will be spoilt for choice by the array of quaint pubs and shops that await you.

Take a browse through our Isle of Syke travel guide for more inspiration on how to spend your staycation in Scotland.

2. York, North Yorkshire

The city of York is an excellent choice for a staycation city break, as it plays host to more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, meaning that you will not be short of fun things to do during your holiday.

Meander down the streets, where Roman roots and a Viking past are evident, with the ancient walls surrounding the contemporary shops and vibrant eateries; every angle is picture-perfect.

Look forward to marvelling at the masterpieces at York Art Gallery, admiring the beauty of York Minster and uncover the city’s past by visiting the JORVIK Viking Centre or heading underground to the dungeons.

Once you have completed the city, you are on the doorstep of the majestic landscape of the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, making it a place like no other.

So why wait any longer? Look through our collection of York cottages and secure your staycation for 2020.

3. Matlock, Derbyshire

Matlock is a charming town, perfectly positioned for exploring the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Once famed for its hydro and spa treatments, today Matlock is a bustling town with a plethora of shops and places to eat and drink, making a great base for touring further afield.

Spend your UK staycation stepping back in time by hopping on board the steam train taking you from Matlock to Rowsley or experience the magic of Matlock Bath Illuminations along the Derwent River in September and October. Moreover, the highlight of the town is the Heights of Abraham, where you can take a cable car ride between the limestone cliffs and wooded slopes for breath-taking views of the Derwent Valley.

From Matlock, you are just a short drive away from a number of attractions to keep you busy, including Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Gulliver’s Kingdom, as well as the popular Peak District towns of Bakewell and Buxton.

Browse our Matlock travel guide for other ways to spend your UK staycation here.

4. Isle of Anglesey, North Wales

Bring your friends and families to share a staycation in Wales on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, with over 260 square miles awaiting to be discovered.

The majestic island plays host to a myriad of stunning beaches, which many feature on the famous Coastal Path, a 125-mile mile long distance route promising breath-taking scenery. Considered one of the most spectacular beaches on the isle is Newborough. Here the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park play backdrop to the glorious sands and blue waters, a scenic spot for trying your hand at a number of watersports.

Other highlights of the island include Holyhead Mountain, the highest point on the isle, The South Stack Lighthouse, a tiny island off the coast and meeting marine life at Anglesey Sea Zoo or butterflies at Pili Palas.

This part of Wales promises you and your loved ones a wonderful staycation in the UK.

5. Glastonbury, Somerset

Glastonbury is considered to be one of the quirkiest towns in England, with its plethora of legends, mysticism and folklore. So, if you are looking for a unique place to base your UK staycation, Glastonbury may be perfect for you.

The town is small in size, however it is rich in offerings and is home to the famous Glastonbury music festival, celebrating art and culture from around the world.

Whilst staying here, be sure to walk to the Glastonbury Tor to admire the views as far as the Bristol Channel and visit the ruins of the abbey, which according to legend dates back to the 1^st century.

So if you are in pursuit of exploring this historical town, be sure to take a look at our hand-picked Glastonbury cottages for your staycation.

6. Windermere, Lake District

Resting in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria is the bustling town of Windermere, a mere stone’s throw away from the largest lake in the national park.

During your staycation, look forward to pottering around the high street, which is lined with a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, before exploring the vast array of attractions.

Outdoor activities are on the top of the list for many Windermere visitors, with a magnitude of walking, hiking and watersport opportunities on offer within the area, however, the town also comes with a plethora of leisurely things to do to while away the hours.

Explore the beauty of the lake by taking a circular voyage on Windermere Lake Cruises, considered to be the most popular attraction in Cumbria. During this journey, look forward to enjoying the views of the surrounding mountain scenery and the many secluded bays.

Discover the area’s past by paying a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter and to the National Trust-owned Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse, offering a time-capsule of the author’s life.

From here, you can also visit the nearby towns and villages of Ambleside, Coniston and Kendal, or take a browse through our Lake District travel guide for further travel inspiration.

7. St. Ives, Cornwall

St Ives is one of the most popular places for a UK staycation and is considered to be one of Cornwall’s most famous destinations, and it is not hard to see why.

From glorious beaches with great surfing opportunities to the maze of independent shops and vast array of attractions, there is so much to do here.

If surfing isn’t your thing, then look forward to lazing on the soft sands or set off on a breath-taking walk along the iconic South West Coast Path towards Land’s End.

Other things that you cannot afford to miss during your St Ives staycation is the modern art collection at Tate St Ives, a trip to get up close and personal with the seals at Seal Island or hop on board the scenic branch railway line that runs between St Ives and St Erth.

Take a look at our St Ives travel guide for more inspiration on how to spend your time here.

8. Bath, Somerset

If you are in pursuit of a tranquil oasis for your next UK staycation, how about a trip to a wellbeing destination since Roman times, the city of Bath?

Bath is the only UK city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can look forward to admiring the wonderfully preserved Roman Baths and Georgian splendour.

The city plays host to the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in, in both the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa.

After a relaxing afternoon at the spa, your time can be spent exploring the city’s collection of museums and galleries or refuelling in one of the fine-dining restaurants.

Over the years the city has gained a reputation as a foodie’s destination, with something to cater to palettes ranging from welcoming gastropubs and cosy cafés to Michelin star and AA Rosette-winning restaurants.

This is a superb destination for a romantic staycation.

9. Tenby, South Wales

Justifiably, Tenby is one of the prettiest seaside towns that you will experience in Wales, with its glorious beach, pastel-painted houses and 13^th century castle walls.

Situated between the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire and the calming waters of Carmarthen Bay, Tenby is a wonderfully scenic spot in which you and your loved ones can come together to share a traditional coastal staycation.

Whether you are looking to entertain the children, explore the national park’s coastline or simply relax in a quaint cottage, Tenby has it all.

After exploring the maze of narrow little streets within the town centre, head to the sand dunes of South Beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the views towards Caldey Island.

Culture vultures can learn about the town’s interesting history, from the Henry Tudor escaping through Tenby’s secret tunnels to Robert Recorde, inventor of the equals sign.

Stop off at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery on Castle Hill to further your knowledge on the town’s history or gain first-hand experience by booking onto a guided walk.

Why not take a look at our Tenby travel guide to discover more things to do during your staycation?

10. Edinburgh, Scotland

With an abundance of history awaiting to be explored, Edinburgh is our final top staycation destination for 2020.

The Scottish capital plays host to a range of top quality attractions and stunning architecture to admire, meaning that you will not fall short of things to do during this city break.

Begin your Scottish staycation in Edinburgh by taking a trip to the castle, which looms over the city, offering a scenery that will astound you. Look forward to walking in the footsteps of the kings and queens that once lived here, as you immerse yourself in the tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.

Afterwards, discover more of the city’s secrets by exploring Lauriston Castle and Gardens, braving the dungeons or stroll through the elegant Georgian New Town for a spot of shopping.

Complete your trip by booking a slot at the Scotch Whisky Experience for a dram of fine Scottish whisky.

For more ways to spend your holiday, visit our Edinburgh travel guide.

If you have found your perfect UK staycation destination, book with us today and prepare for your adventure on home-soil. Be sure to share your staycation photos with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.