Top 10 UK Cities for Staycations
Everyone loves a holiday, but many people opt for staycations instead of travelling abroad. You get all the benefits of a vacation, but you’ll save on flights and the travel time will be much shorter. If you decide to take a staycation this year, don’t forget to cover your trip with travel insurance. The UK has some fantastic staycation destinations, and we’ve compiled a list of our top ten cities.
Brighton
Brighton is one of the top staycation destinations in the UK, with its main attractions being the Brighton Palace Pier and Brighton Beach. Check out the incredible views from the Brighton i360 observation tower and stop by the Sea Life Brighton aquarium, both of which are right next to the pier. Just a short walk away is North Laine, with some of the best stores, cafes, and restaurants in Brighton. You’ll also find some interesting shops in the Lanes. Kemptown is one of the trendier areas, and it’s known for its vibrant nightlife and live music. If you want to know more about the culture of Brighton, visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, the Booth Museum of Natural History, and the Brighton Fishing Museum. Take a tour of the Royal Pavilion, catch a show at Brighton Dome, and wander through Preston Manor.
Liverpool
This city in the North West of England offers visitors plenty of things to do during your staycation. You could wander over to the Royal Albert dock to check out some of the shops, restaurants, and museums. While you’re there, get a picture of the Liver birds atop the Liver Building and take the ferry across the River Mersey. Head to Lime Street, where you’ll find St George’s Hall and the Empire Theatre. Around the corner is the World Museum, Central Library, and the Walker Art Gallery. Visit some of the city’s greatest landmarks, such as the Radio City Tower, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, and Sefton Park. Take a Beatles tour that will take you past Strawberry Field and Penny Lane, to the Beatle’s Story Museum, and to the Cavern Club and Cavern Pub on Matthew Street. The best shopping areas in the city centre are St Johns Shopping Centre, Bold Street, and Liverpool 1.
York
Begin your staycation in York by shopping at the Shambles and making your way up to York Minster. Walk along the York City Walls, take a tour of York Castle Museum, and visit Clifford's Tower. Learn more about the city at the Castle Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and at the National Railway Museum. You can also visit the Yorkshire Museum and see the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens. Learn about the history of chocolate and take a chocolate-making masterclass at the Chocolate Story. Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, the Guy Fawkes Inn, and the Olde Starr Inn. For a fun afternoon activity, rent a boat on Ouse River.
London
There are plenty of exciting things to see and do in England’s capital. Spend the day shopping on Oxford Street, in Covent Garden, and in Harrods. Hop onto the London Eye, take a tour of Madame Tussauds wax museum, and get photos of Piccadilly Circus. Go to see the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park and visit the animals in London Zoo in Regent’s Park. London has some of the most fascinating museums and galleries such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, The Tate Gallery, and the National Gallery near Trafalgar Square. You can also take a tour of the Tower of London and stop by Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. Don’t forget to go looking for some of London’s most memorable landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is ideal for a Scottish staycation. Climb Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park and wander around the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover Edinburgh Old Town by walking along the Royal Mile and up to Edinburgh Castle. You can even wander Real Mary King's Close, a 17th century underground street beneath the Royal Mile. Take a walk around the National Museum of Scotland, the Georgian House Museum, and the People’s Story Museum. For a more family-friendly experience, head to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. You should also check out the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Observatory, and Craigmillar Castle. You’ll find some of the best views of Edinburgh on Calton Hill and you’ll find the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh is home to some of the best festivals in the UK, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Enjoy a staycation in Stratford-upon-Avon, perched on the edge of the Cotswolds in Warwickshire. The city is best known for its connection to William Shakespeare, and visitors can take a tour around the city to see Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Mary Arden’s Farm, Shakespeare’s New Place, Harvard House, and Hall’s Croft, the home of Shakespeare’s eldest daughter. You can even visit Shakespeare’s tomb in Holy Trinity Church and watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Drop by the Tudor World Museum, the MAD Museum, and Stratford Armouries. Other interesting places to see are Warwick Castle, Clopton Bridge, and Hill Close Gardens. Children will love spending the day at Hatton Adventure World, where there are fair rides, an indoor play area, a petting zoo, escape rooms, an assault course, and a family theatre. Another family favourite is the Stratford Butterfly Farm.
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland is a top vacation spot for many travellers. While there, you’ll spot some of its historic buildings, such as Clifton House, Stormont Castle, and Belfast Castle. There are also some interesting museums, such as Crumlin Road Gaol, the Ulster Museum, and the Titanic Museum. Check out White Star Line’s last surviving ship, the SS Nomdic at the Hamilton Dock. Get the best hiking experiences in Cave Hill Country Park and up to the peak of Divis Mountain. Wander around the Botanic Gardens before shopping at St George’s market. Head to the Belfast Cathedral Quarter for some of the best restaurants, pubs, and clubs.
Bangor
Bangor is the oldest city in Wales, and is known for its fascinating history, large cathedral, and long high street. Bangor is great for people who want to spend time in the city and who also relish in the great outdoors. There are plenty of places to hike in Eryri National Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, along the North Wales path from Bangor to Prestatyn, around the Bangor Circular Walk, and up Bangor Mountain. The Ogwen Trail is a favourite among cyclists. Some of the most interest places to visit in the city are Garth Pier, Penrhyn Castle and Garden, the Storiel museum, and the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Scarborough
Scarborough is a town in North Yorkshire. It’s got all the appeal of Brighton, without needing to head down south. Many people flock to Scarborough beach in the summer to soak up the rays. Visitors also like to go to the Scarborough Harbour, get photos of the Scarborough Lighthouse, and see shows at Scarborough Spa or the Open Air Theatre. Scarborough Castle and the Royal Albert Park are also popular tourist attractions. You can even hop on the Scarborough North Bay Miniature Railway, which starts at Peasholm Park and takes you to Scalby Mills station. The top museums and galleries include the Rotunda Museum, the Scarborough Art Gallery, the Woodend Gallery, and the Scarborough Fair Collection & Vintage Transport Museum.
Inverness
Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands, is visited by staycationers across the UK. The top attraction in Inverness is the renowned Loch Ness. Take your camera down to the loch—you may be lucky enough to snap a photo of the Loch Ness Monster! Next to the loch are the Urquhart Castle ruins. Closer to the city centre are the Ness Islands on the River Ness, which can be reached by bridge. If you’re travelling with children, you may want to visit Whin Park, which has several play areas, a boating pond, and a miniature railway. Stop by Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, take a tour of Inverness Castle, and wander through Inverness Botanic Gardens. Other interesting landmarks include Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Fort George. The best places to shop in Inverness are the Victorian Market and Leakey’s Bookshop.
