Plan Your Ultimate Summer Staycation

Wondering where you can go this summer? With travelling abroad looking increasingly challenging, we say recreate your foreign summer holiday in the UK!

Whatever you’d normally get up to – whether a beach break in Mallorca or a sightseeing tour of Tokyo – we’ve lined up brilliant British alternatives so you can get planning.

The Greek islands and Caribbean might be a no-go right now, but for pure sands and crystal clear waters our very own Sennen Cove, Cornwall and Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire offer jaw-dropping beach scenes.

Fancy some Hawaii style surf action? Head for Portrush in Northern Ireland or the Gower in Wales. And emulate some Algarve magic with a trip to Durdle Door in Dorset or Botany Bay in Kent.

If family camping in France is your summer go-to, check out some top swaps in the British Isles. The glorious Suffolk seaside and the enchanting Brockwell Wood are both on our hit-list of family camping escapes.

Always dreamed of an African safari? The landscape may lack lions (visit newly reopened safari parks for that) but you can still glamp it up in the UK. Try this tantalising collection of tents.

Do a city swap! If Paris is out, switch to Belfast; recently voted best place to visit by Lonely Planet, it’s buzzing with art, history and culture. Or soak up Berlin-style vibes in Dundee, the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design. For the alternative, laidback vibe of Miami, you can’t go wrong with Bristol.

Channel New Zealand style adrenalin by kayaking in the Peak District or tree climbing in the New Forest. Or get Disneyland thrills at one of the UK’s newly reopened theme parks.

Can’t stretch your legs in the Alps this summer? Take a hike at Hare’s Gap, County Down, pack a picnic for Picws Du in the Brecon Beacons or take on Ben Lawers in the Highlands.

Forget passports, currency and travel adaptors – staycations are far easier to pack for. And travelling by car means more space for little extras like more outfits (and a garment steamer!), gadgets, more books and your favourite pillow.

New safety measures mean that all the usual paraphernalia might not be available at your accommodation (like bedding, towels and kitchen equipment) so be sure to find out before you travel.

With COVID-19 guidance changing weekly, it’s best to check the latest rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. At the time of writing, travel between UK countries is restricted so pick a destination that best suits your location. Wherever you go, have a brilliant summer.