All You Need To Know About Staycations In The UK
May 2018
This year, the UK has been named “staycation nation” with over half of Brits (57%) staying put this summer, choosing to remain in the country for the holidays. Embrace your spontaneous side and opt for a weekend road trip or overnight stay in one of the many wonderful locations across the UK.
Why are staycations a good idea?
These are our top 5 reasons for choosing a staycation in the UK this summer:
1. Cost Effective way of enjoying a holiday
With the pound struggling against the euro, staying in the UK will give you more value for your money. Embrace your spontaneous side and opt for a weekend road trip or overnight stay in one of the many wonderful locations across the UK.
2. Become a tourist in your own country
It's not uncommon to meet people that are savvy explorers and have visited more of the UK than us. There will always be time to explore our country, right? Ever wanted visit Oxford or perhaps Warwick Castle? Well, now's your chance.
3. Family friendly, that means pets too!
Staycations can suit all budgets and all family types. Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy with our families and that includes our pets as well! If you love your pets as much as I do, this list will be solid gold: Top Pet Friendly hotels in the UK.
4. Driving = freedom to explore
Driving around the UK gives you the opportunity to enjoy stunning sights that are outside of the main tourist attractions. If you don’t own a car hiring one in is easy. If you don’t own a car hiring one in is easy. Comparison sites like Holiday Autos provide the most competitive prices and have tons of locations for picking up the car.
5. Chance to disconnect from your day to day and enjoy the countryside
Long commute to work? Eating lunch al desko every day? Driving kids around to different activities? All work and no fun? Give yourself some time to breath and visit a historical place or a nature wonderland.
Where to go on a staycation in the UK?
City or Countryside, the choice is yours. Here are top UK destinations.
London
The city holds so much culture and history plus there are several fun and interesting activities a short drive away.
Harry Potter's Experience
Dreaming about the wizarding world? This is a great day out activity for the whole family.
Driving from London city to the Harry Potter Studio takes under 1 hour and the best part, free parking! All the information you need including driving directions here
Oxford
This charming city is only 1.5 hour drive from London. It hosts the Oxford University known for being the oldest University in the English speaking world. Make sure you visit the Bodleian Library, the second largest in the UK and a jewel of architectural and historical interest.
Pro tip: there are several locations where you can pick-up a hire car in London. From airports to train station and even selected locations around the city. For more information about hiring a car in London, visit this page.
Birmingham
The second largest city of the UK offers a rich mix of activities: museums, attractions and shopping! You can see more information on the official site. Whitin a short drive from Birmingham you can discover some of Britain's most fascinating places.
Warwick Castle
This medieval castle was built on the 15th century on top of the River Avon. The river eroded the rock where the castle stands and formed a cliff. Nowadays, the Warwick Castle has daily events that will keep the whole family entertained, from Flight of the Eagles to the Mighty Trebuchet, this castle has it all!
Stratford-upon-Avon
Fan of Shakespeare? A 50 mins drive from Birmingham will bring you to his birth place.
The Shakespeare Centre allows you to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home, the beautiful gardens on the New Place and even the cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. All the information here.
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland is known for a strong history of political and industrial revolutions but also for having one of the most intriguing wonders of nature.
Giant’s Causeway
This stunning landscape will give you something to think about. Giant’s Causeway is formed by thousands of perfectly shaped hexagon pieces stacked next to each other. It is difficult to believe that nature created this (perhaps that’s the source of the myths about giants fighting on this region, ergo the name). Judge for yourself. Driving time from Belfast takes just over an hour.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge
After visiting Giant's Causeway make sure to stop by Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge. It will take you less than 20 minutes to drive there and I promise you won’t regret it.
This bridge was first built by fishermen over 200 years ago and nowadays is a tourist attraction. If you are brave enough to cross it you will see great views and if you are lucky, you might even spot some seals. It seems like a small bridge, but once you are suspended 30m above the sea level there's no avoiding the adrenaline rush. Information about entry fees here.
Cardiff
The capital of Wales is famous for hosting an array of historical buildings and the castle that bears its name. This port city has activities to please everyone and some charming landscapes at its doorstep.
Penarth
This picturesque town less than 10km away from Cardiff’s city centre. It's promenade allows for romantic walks and a visit to the Italian gardens will take your breath away.
Castell Coch - Doctor Who fans, this one is for you!
The name means Red Castle in Welsh and it was commissioned as a countryside retreat by the wealthy Marquess of Bute. Does it look familiar? Well that’s because the TV series of Doctor Who is often filmed here. See more information about the caste here.
Staycations are a great way to enjoy some hard-earned holiday time. Driving around the UK will give you the opportunity to explore some delightful places and will give you the flexibility to enjoy at your own pace.
Hiring a car is very straight forward. Holiday Autos compares top suppliers to find you the best car at the best price. I always recommend selecting a vehicle with unlimited mileage and Full to Full fuel policy as they are the most cost effective.
Once you have hired your car, you need 4 things to collect it:
- Valid Driver's licence
- Car hire voucher - either printed or in your phone via our app
- A credit card on the main driver’s name that will cover the excess of the car
- Another form of ID such as passport
Remember, our customer care team is available 24/7 to help you through the journey. Get in touch with us here.
That’s holidays sorted: Hire a car, hit the road and start your Britain staycation today! Search below for the best car hire deals.
Blog credit: We are so happy the wonderful Ara Esparza shared her travel tips with us. More about her via @araesparza
