If the thought of the summer holidays is all that’s getting you through revision and exams at the moment, then you’re not alone.
But is this summer about heading home to spend time with the family, or are you looking for an adventure to enjoy with friends?
In this blog, we’re sharing our pick of the best budget staycation ideas that are ideal for families and groups of friends alike (because after all, aren’t friends the family you choose?)
City Break
While staying in the UK and Ireland doesn’t exactly fulfill a desire for the hustle and bustle of a busy airport, we are a nation with plenty of cities. And for those who want to dive into some culture, splash the cash on some retail therapy, or wander new streets and see what lies around each corner, you can’t really do any better than a staycation!
The beauty of a city break in the UK is that there is a little bit of something for everyone. London is a classic must-visit on the wish list of city lovers, but it’s far from the only city worth visiting. For history students, Belfast and Liverpool both have lots of stories to tell and uncover. For those who love architecture and design, York is a city with plenty of twists and turns. Or you can visit some of the best bars and modern attractions that cities like Manchester and Leeds have to offer.
Aside from the plethora of things to do, you will find that cities cater to all budgets – with options that range from free attractions to renowned restaurants and pricey tourist hotspots.
Beach Getaway
The UK is surrounded on all borders by beaches and coastlines. And while we’re not suggesting you trek around the entire outside of the nation (although you can if you want to!) the UK is certainly home to some pretty special beaches and coastal retreats.
The South Coast, stretching from Cornwall right the way across Brighton and beyond, is a good option in the summer months as the weather is largely considered to be the most consistent. Joining the hordes of staycationers means that the roads are often busy, and attractions get well booked in advance; however, there is something for everyone with accommodation that ranges from camping to five-star hotels.
And while we’re on the topic of camping…
Lose Yourself in the Countryside
The UK and Ireland are both renowned for their countryside landscapes, rolling hills, and chocolate box villages and towns. Whether you opt for a coastal countryside location like Suffolk or Sussex, or head inland towards the Cotswolds, sticking to a staycation road trip will unlock some of the UK’s finest and most beautiful spots.
And with UK travel accessible without a passport and without needing to familiarise yourself with another language or local customs, the entire country is open for exploring.
Head to Scotland
Scotland and the Scottish Highlands are the closest that you will get to the wilderness here in the UK. In fact, with mountains, lochs, and vast rushing rivers which flow between estates and expanses of moorland and heather, Scotland can sometimes feel other worldly.
If you want to lose yourself in an adventure this summer, Scotland boasts countless routes and roads for both drivers and hikers. Scotland is also great for history buffs and geography enthusiasts owing to the incredible stories and the wildlife that inhabits some of the most remote areas of Scotland.
Are Staycations REALLY Affordable?
We know what you’re thinking… The rising price of pretty much everything here in the UK means that nothing feels or appears very affordable anymore.
Rising train prices, food, and accommodation means that you can end up paying more for a staycation than you would going abroad – which is why being smart about your travel plans is so important.
Here are a few tips from the team about how to keep your upcoming summer staycation cheap but cheerful:
· Make sure you have a student railcard. This will bring train prices down significantly and will more than pay for itself in no time at all
· Don’t be afraid to ask whether shops and other destinations accept student discount cards. Many local attractions across the UK will be happy to offer you a standard student discount rate
· Camp where you can and explore hostels and Airbnb’s as well as classic hotels. The great thing about UK based travel and staycations is that there are often options for all budgets across all popular locations, ranging from campsites and caravan parks to Airbnb’s, hotels, and more. Pick a solution that suits your needs and your budget
· Combine eating out with eating in. Even if a hotel seems cheaper at the outset, consider the combined cost of eating out for every meal – and compare it to the saving you might get by booking an Airbnb and cooking in for a few meals during your stay
· Look at complimentary experiences! A great example of this is London’s Sky Garden, which is a completely free viewing platform that you can access and enjoy views akin to those seen from The Shard (which costs huge sums to visit). A little research may transform the way you approach different experiences during your stay
Movie Buff?
Finally, to a bit of a fun and unique idea but one we’ve seen becoming increasingly popular in recent years… are you a big movie or TV fan? A growing number of shows and films used destination sites across the UK – with countless tours available to walk in the footsteps of A-list stars and bring staycation sites to life in new ways.
Ideas include a stop in Edinburgh to follow the footsteps of Dex and Em from One Day, a tour of London to take in the filming locations for James Bond, and a ride on the Scottish train line that inspired the Hogwarts Express.
Happy staycationing!
