If you’re convinced that UK staycations are worth it, the next question is simple: where should you actually go?
The UK is packed with incredible destinations – from rugged national parks and remote Scottish beaches to historic cities and charming countryside villages. But with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best UK staycation destinations based on my own experience – including what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for. This isn’t a definitive list, – just places I’ve personally visited and would happily return to.
Any of the UK’s National Parks
Did you know that there are 15 National Parks in the UK? If you’re a lover of the outdoors, then these should be at the top of your bucket list. National Parks were first introduced into the UK in 1951, after the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 was passed in Parliament. This was part of the reconstruction of the UK after World War II.
The UK’s National Parks put special protection on the most beautiful parts of the country, often with wild, rugged landscapes dominated by mountains, lakes, forests and stunning coastlines. These places offer the most impressive natural beauty in the country – but as a result, accommodation does tend to get booked up well in advance, especially during the summer holidays. Watch out for high levels of traffic during these times – especially during periods of nice weather!
It’s a life goal of mine to visit all of the UK’s National Parks. So far, I’ve been to Dartmoor, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Pembrokeshire Coast, Eryri (Snowdonia), Peak District, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Cairngorms.
Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales
Eryri offers dramatic, glacier-carved mountain landscapes and some of the best hiking in the UK. With Snowdon as its centrepiece, it combines challenging climbs with accessible routes for all levels. The scenery feels truly wild in places, yet it’s still relatively easy to reach, making it one of the most rewarding outdoor destinations in Britain.
Best for: Hiking, adventure, and mountain scenery.
Cost: Low-moderate (budget-friendly if planned well).
The Lake District
The Lake District is one of the most popular UK staycation destinations, and in my opinion, the most beautiful part of England. The combination of fells and lakes is breathtaking, especially in good weather. With countless lakes, fells and walking routes, it offers endless variety for repeat visits. Note that a large area of land in the Lake District is owned by the National Trust, so it pays to be a member (free parking and access to the numerous National Trust properties in the area).
Best for: Scenic walks, hiking, photography, water sports.
Cost: Moderate-high (especially in peak season).
North York Moors
The North York Moors offer a quieter, more understated beauty compared to other National Parks. Rolling heather moorland, dramatic coastal cliffs, and wide open skies create a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere. It’s less crowded than many alternatives, making it ideal for those looking to slow down and enjoy nature without the hustle.
Best for: Quiet walks, coastal views, relaxation (cosy farm stays in the valleys).
Cost: Low-moderate.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are known for their sweeping landscapes, limestone valleys, and iconic features like dry stone walls and viaducts. The scenery feels vast yet accessible, with plenty of walking routes and charming villages to explore. It’s a great balance between rugged countryside and comfortable, well-connected rural tourism.
Best for: Walking, countryside views, villages.
Cost: Low-moderate.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Pembrokeshire offers some of the UK’s most dramatic coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs, wildlife-rich islands, and expansive sea views. The coastal path provides incredible walking routes, while the area’s relative remoteness keeps it feeling unspoilt. It’s a fantastic destination if you enjoy nature, fresh air, and being close to the sea.
Best for: Coastal walks, wildlife, sea views.
Cost: Low-moderate.
Peak District
The Peak District is one of the most accessible National Parks in the UK (close to Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester), yet still offers impressive landscapes shaped by limestone and gritstone geology. Deep valleys, caves, and high plateaus provide plenty to explore. Its central location makes it ideal for shorter trips, while still delivering a true countryside escape.
Best for: Weekend trips, hiking, accessibility, caves.
Cost: Low-moderate.
Cairngorms, Scotland
The Cairngorms, in central Scotland, provides scenery unlikely anything else I’ve seen in the UK. Dramatic landscapes, with pine forests, lakes, rivers, and high, plateau-like mountains (snowcapped for much of the year). This region is also home to many of the UK’s rare and endangered species, while the scale of the landscape creates a sense of real wilderness. It’s one of the closest things the UK has to true remote, wild terrain.
Best for: Wilderness, wildlife, big landscapes.
Cost: Moderate (travel can increase cost).
North-West Scotland
While this region of the UK may be remote, it’s one of the most beautiful. North-west Scotland has scenery more akin to Iceland than the rest of mainland Britain. It’s a vast, storm-battered landscape with high mountains, lakes and marshes. When it rains here, it really pours. This region also has surprisingly beautiful white sand beaches, while the low population and rugged terrain mean you can often find complete solitude.
Best for: Remote travel, road trips, solitude.
Cost: Moderate (fuel/electrons + distance).
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Al seaside town on the border of Dorset and Devon, Lyme Regis has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. It has a beautiful beachfront, a landscaped subtropical garden on the south-facing cliff face and the famous Cobb harbour wall, which has been around in one form or another since the 12th Century. Lyme is a bustling town during the spring and summer, with pleasant architecture and seaside views, and dozens of events on every year. I’ve been to Lyme many times over the years – my first trip was when I was 9 years old – and I highly recommend a visit.
Best for: Seaside breaks, families, short trips, fossil hunting.
Cost: Moderate off-season, high in summer.
London
While I spent 3 years living in London, it’s still a place I like to visit for the day or occasional weekend. There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start.
I like to start off with the free museums. The British Museum, British Library, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Maritime Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum are all free. These are some of the biggest museums with the largest collections in the world.
Of course, the big attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, London Eye etc are worth visiting. But you needn’t spend a lot buying tickets for full access (yes, even Buckingham Palace opens for visitors in the summer) – sometimes just seeing these landmarks in person is enough.
I love exploring, and if you do too (and want to see new areas of London), I recommend the Race across the World London experience. You’ll see new and interesting parts of the capital that would otherwise be lost to the casual viewer.
If you prefer a quieter experience, any of the Royal Parks are worth visiting, as are the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
If I were looking for cheap accommodation, I’d go for a room in one of the suburbs, and use public transport to get to the centre. The savings you make this way are substantial: hotels near the centre (I chose Liverpool St) charge £200-300 per night minimum, some far more than this for a room. In the suburbs of SW London (Tooting/ Streatham region, near where I used to live), good rooms with respected hosts on Airbnb go for as little as ~£60 per night.
Best for: Culture, museums, city breaks.
Cost: High (but can be reduced with careful planning).
Oxford
I grew up not far from Oxford, but rarely visited the city. It’s only in the past ~10 years that I’ve properly started to appreciate the beauty and architecture it has to offer. It is known as “the city of dreaming spires” because of its impressive Gothic architecture and university spires. Two world-class museums, the Ashmolean and the Oxford Museum of Natural History, are free to visit. The Bodleian Libraries are also popular, while I have fond memories of rowing on the River Cherwell as a kid (punting is also available) and visiting Blackwells’ flagship bookstore.
If you do go, make sure to use the park and ride system. Oxford hates the motorcar, and there are congestion charges and emission fees in the centre.
Best for: History, architecture, day trips.
Cost: Low-moderate.
Cambridge
England’s other famous university city, I’ve only been to Cambridge once, years ago when I was school-age, and I’m probably long-overdue another visit. Quintessential things to do include punting on the River Cam, visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum, King’s College Chapel, the botanic gardens, and walking along the river for iconic views of the old city.
Best for: History, architecture, day trips.
Cost: Low-moderate.
The Malvern Hills
These hills, in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, are unlike anything else I’ve seen in southern England. They are very striking, with steep slopes leading to sharp summits – the ridge walk along the spine of the hills is particularly memorable, offering continuous elevated terrain and fantastic views. They almost look like mini mountains, and looking down the centre of the hills, appear as if you’re peering down the spine of a sleeping dragon…
Best for: Day hikes, views, short breaks.
Cost: Low (although accommodation nearby can be expensive).
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are known for their rolling countryside and picturesque villages built from distinctive honey-coloured stone. It’s an ideal place for slower-paced travel, with scenic walks, cosy pubs, and charming accommodation. The appeal lies in its simplicity and beauty rather than big attractions.
Best for: Relaxation, countryside, couples.
Cost: Moderate-high (accommodation can be especially expensive).
Bath
Bath is one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in the UK, known for its Roman history and elegant Georgian buildings. Landmarks like the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent give it a unique character, while the compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot. It’s a great mix of culture, history, and atmosphere.
Best for: History, architecture, city breaks.
Cost: Moderate-high.
Conclusion
The UK has far more to offer than most people realise. From world-class national parks to historic cities and stunning coastlines, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore.
The best part? You don’t need to deal with airports, long travel days, or complicated planning to experience them.
If you’re willing to explore your own country, you’ll likely find that some of your best holidays are closer – and simpler – than you ever expected.
And this list is just the beginning…
I hope you found this post useful. Here are some others you may enjoy:
- Are UK staycations worth it?
- Cheap things to do on holiday (or at the weekend)
- Make Hay while the Rain Pours
- The best index funds to own in 2026 (UK)
- Why your £4 coffee actually cost £360
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