With international travel becoming a little trickier these last couple of years, a lot of us have been embracing the joy of the ‘staycation’. Gone are the stresses of airports, language barriers and foreign currency - instead, you get to fully enjoy your well-earned break, all without the worry of border restrictions or testing requirements.
At Oliver's Travels, we're taking this as the perfect opportunity to really get to know the coasts, forests and chocolate-box towns of our beloved UK. And so we should. We’ve got so much on our back doorstep: from the white-sand beaches of Devonshire to the gnarly hills in the Lake District, and the castle-dotted countryside of Scotland… staycations are definitely here to stay.
Where to go on your staycation holiday
England: From gorgeous sandy coastlines to medieval cities, the landscapes of England offer up a different kind of staycation every time. Whether you’re down for hiking mountains, tanning on the beach or delving into the history of bygone eras, England has it all.
Scotland: Scotland is a playground for adventurers and explorers, with a vast amount of rolling countryside, deserted coast, historic ruins and adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities like kayaking and bouldering. Or if its charming cities and towns you’re after, its got those too.
Wales: With surroundings that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a postcard, you’re never far away from a picture-perfect scene in Wales. Stunning mountain ranges, protected wilderness and lush forests take over the landscapes, scattered with ancient ruins, historic houses and fringed by a rugged coastline.
Staycations are a lot more budget-friendly and can even be done over a weekend, minimising time off work needed.
Why stay with us?
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in the UK have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Chocolate-box villages, picturesque countryside views, and cosmopolitan cities – you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a staycation holiday in England. Surf lovers and beach goers will be all over coastal escapes in Cornwalland Devon. Meanwhile, hiking and nature enthusiasts will be bowled over by the hills in the Lake District and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Suffolk and Surrey. And no matter your age, you'll instantly fall in love with the quaint and classic English feel of the Cotswolds. There's never been a better time to start exploring the beauty that’s right on your doorstep!
Northern England
Rugged, raw, and full of hidden gems – Northern England is the perfect staycation choice - as long as you don’t mind unpredictable weather! Brimming with history and culture in Yorkshire, untouched beauty in the Lake District, and craggy coastlines in Northumberland, it’s a real treasure trove of regions.
Midlands
An idyllic blend of scenic countryside and urban pockets, the Midlands will have you exploring museums and historic houses in the morning before hiking lush green hills and rowing along canals in the afternoon.
The South West
The South West is easily the most popular corner of England for a staycation. You’ve got beachy Cornwall, which boasts the best (usually hottest!) climate in the UK, the rolling countryside and coastal charms of Devon, and the village charms of the Cotswolds and Dorset.
The South East
It’s all about the natural landscapes in the South East – from Kent's lovely garden of England to the peaceful coastlines of Surrey and Sussex, staycations here truly allow you to rest and recharge.
Why we love staycations in England
There’s a place for every taste: history, culture, nature, coastal and city lovers are all catered for.
Want to do a two-week staycation? You can easily cover a lot of ground in England over a fortnight, so you could visit multiple areas in one holiday!
You don’t need to head abroad to find those summer European vibes – southern England has been known to hit the high 30s in its peak, so you can still dine al fresco with an Aperol or Sangria in hand!
Scotland staycations
Scotland is the ultimate outdoor playground – if you’re all about activity-led holidays, then this country will answer all your travel-related prayers. Adrenaline junkies will be pleased to find all manner of heart pumping adventures, from rock climbing, snowboarding and rapid kayaking in the Highlands to mountain biking in the Scottish Borders and windsurfing in Argyll. If you want to take it down a notch while still exploring the outdoors, there are many walking trails located across Scotland, often in stunning national parks like Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
Ayrshire
History buffs: listen up. Ayrshire is full of historic attractions, serving as home to the Vikings and Robert Burns, and there's still plenty of ancient castles to explore! It’s also great for golfing and soaking up some Scottish island life.
Argyll
If you love a bit of wildlife-spotting, Argyll is the place to visit. Housing seven national nature reserves, you can find everything from golden eagles to puffins! Plus, this scenic wonderland is perfect for outdoor activities like surfing and quad-biking.
Loch Lomond
The clue is in the name – this region is home to some beautiful lochs where you can go canoeing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and more! Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park offers up plenty of walking trails, stargazing opportunities and incredible waterfalls, too.
Edinburgh
If you’re fancying some city vibes, then Edinburgh will be right up your street. Cobbled streets, charming pubs, and world-class restaurants await – and the city is bursting with history: the castle, dungeons and great ghost walks are great to get stuck into.
Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders is easy to reach and really diverse: from world-class mountain biking and championship golfing, to medieval abbeys and grand stately homes, it’s the ideal destination for families.
Highlands
Lofty mountains, majestic lakes and romantic castles – the Highlands is the ideal match for outdoor adventurers. Hike Ben Nevis, explore secluded, rugged beaches, enjoy all manner of watersports, or golf Dragon’s Tooth (#1 in Scotland’s Best 9 Holes!).
St Andrews
This seaside town is well worth a visit, packing a great punch for such a small size. With an array of interesting museums, a spellbinding cathedral and enchanting ruins, St Andrews draws in history lovers, but it’s also known as the ‘Home of Golf’. Don't miss the exciting culinary scene either!
Why we love staycations in Scotland
This country boasts ample outdoor activities - think skiing, bungee jumping, scrambling, zorbing, zip lining, cycling, white-water rafting and even paragliding!
The country is scattered with so many castles and ancient ruins that have interesting tales to tell. You can even bed down for the night in some of these historic sites.
While it’s all about the outdoors in Scotland, you’ve also got incredible bustling cities right in the heart of it all, like charming Edinburgh.
Wales staycations
For a small country (you can travel from North to South in four and a half hours!), this corner of the UK is brimming with activities and beauty to explore. Wales is probably most well-known for its scenery, boasting five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three incredible national parks – Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Whether you prefer adventuring or relaxed picnicking, you'll never be far from a picture-perfect landscape!
Brecon Beacons
One of the UK’s most-loved national parks, Brecon Beacons offers up a wealth of adventure, from stargazing and cave-exploring to fishing and paragliding… not forgetting the 1,200-miles of walking trails through gorges and over lush green hills.
Snowdonia
Another epic national park in Wales, Snowdonia boasts amazing scenery, wild swimming spots, beautiful walks along the coast, and even zip-lining in the mountains. In short, it's a total outdoor playground!
North Wales
Home to three of Wales’ five Area’s of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscapes of North Wales are spellbinding. Go surfing at the seaside, wander charming old towns, and soak up the interesting local culture and heritage.
Why we love staycations in Wales
There are over 600 castles to visit – four of which have UNESCO World Heritage status.
Coasteering is an adrenaline-fuelled activity which was first created in Wales. Where better to give it a go?
Museum and gallery buffs can get lost in over 90 accredited museums and galleries, as well as 7 National Museums of Wales.
From the blog...
Best Hikes in the UK for a Great British Staycation
Best Places to Visit in Kent for a Super Staycation
Top UK Holiday Homes for the Ultimate Staycation
Wardrobe Essentials For A Winter Staycation
England Coast Path: World's Longest Coastal Walk
Unique Places to Stay in the UK: Converted Holiday Homes
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