A lot can be said for opting for a 'staycation' over a trip abroad. You can avoid that hectic journey to the airport, the palava of going through security, the possibility of your flight being delayed... Plus, there are so many extraordinarily beautiful parts of the UK to explore.From the serene seas of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, here's all the proof you need that you don't have to venture far for a fantastic holiday...<h2>scotland - the cairngorms </h2>Visit the spectacular, wild <a href="https://cairngorms.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cairngorms National Park</a>. With royal connections (Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral Castle back in 1852), this landscape is home to endangered species including red squirrels and golden eagles &ndash; so bring your wildlife-spotting gear! Go fishing, mountain biking, golfing, snowboarding or ziplining &ndash; or enjoy a good brisk hike instead.Where to stay: If you don't fancy camping, try luxurious 5-star B&B <a href="https://www.thedulaig.com/" target="_blank">The Dulaig</a>, which is perched on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.What to eat: Check out the <a href="https://rothiemurchus.net/visit/food-drink/" target="_blank">Rothiemurchus Centre</a>, which houses a farm shop and a beloved café (The Druie). Everything is locally-sourced, from Highland beef to cheese, coffee, preserves and chutneys. This homely cafe is the perfect place to warm up after a bracing walk!<img alt="scotland-wild-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/scotland-wild-web__square_GL?scl=1">For city-lovers... Visit EdinburghNot many cities can say they've got an extinct volcano at their centre. Visit <a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/holyrood-park-and-arthurs-seat-p914341" target="_blank">Arthur's Seat</a>, which is at the bottom of the Royal Mile, as it offers panoramic views of the city from above. Or keep the kids' minds ticking with an afternoon at the <a href="https://www.nationalgalleries.org/" target="_blank">Scottish National Galleries</a>. Stay at: Try chic, modern hotel <a href="https://www.24royalterrace.co.uk/" target="_blank">24 Royal Terrace</a>, stunning castle-esque boutique <a href="https://www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Glasshouse</a>, or more family-orientated house, <a href="https://themurrayfieldhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Murrayfield</a>. <h2>Northern Ireland - giant's causeway</h2>Natural wonders don&rsquo;t get more natural than the symmetrical stones of the Giant&rsquo;s Causeway. Just over one hour's drive from Belfast, you can see the area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. You can walk a five-minute hike from <a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Dunseverick-Castle-Bushmills-P37441/" target="_blank">Dunseverick Castle</a> along the clifftop path to see the causeway in all its glory. Where to stay: For four-star comfort, try <a href="https://www.bushmillsinn.com/" target="_blank">The Bushmills Inn</a> hotel. Think cosy fires, tastefully-furnished rooms and an atmospheric bar. There's even an intimate on-site cinema, screening films once a week, with dinner and popcorn. We're sold!What to eat: Champ and soda bread are staples when it comes to Northern Ireland's food roots. Head into the capital, Belfast, where you'll discover award-winning restaurant <a href="http://oxbelfast.com/" target="_blank">OX</a>. You'll have views of the River Lagan whilst you eat locally sourced food. Yum!<img alt="giant-causeway-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/giant-causeway-web__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Wales - snowdonia</h2>Hide away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Snowdonia. Take a hike up Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon which stands at 3,560ft. Or for the fearless few, see the views from a height by taking a zip wire through the forest on <a href="https://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/velocity" target="_blank">the world's fastest zip line</a>. There's also surfing, go-karting, mountain biking and white water rafting to keep you busy.Where to stay: Snowdonia is popular with keen campers - if you're looking for a bit of cosy relief from the elements, though, try <a href="http://dolffanogfawr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dolffanog Fawr</a>. A converted farmhouse in a spectacularly scenic setting, you can expect slap-up breakfasts, snug rooms and friendly service.What to eat: For lunch, fill your boots at <a href="http://hebog-beddgelert.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hebog Beddgelert</a> - a cosy traditional café serving fresh and local food. And for dinner, dine at Welsh restaurant, <a href="https://www.darwinescapes.co.uk/parks/aberconwy-resort-spa/signatures-restaurant/" target="_blank">Signatures</a>. <img alt="snowdonia-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/snowdonia-web__square_GL?scl=1">For city-lovers... Visit PortmeirionOk, Portmeirion isn't exactly a 'city'. It is more of a tourist village, built in a distinctly Mediterranean style. With a central piazza, waterside, wild garden and abundance of whimsical architecture, take a gentle stroll before stopping for an aperitivo, Italian-style.Where to stay: It has to be the <a href="https://portmeirion.wales/stay" target="_blank">Hotel Portmeirion</a>! With a heated pool and views across the water, this hotel opened in 1926 and has been popularly used as a filming location for years.What to eat: Check out 1950s-style <a href="https://portmeirion.wales/eat/the-town-hall/restaurant-and-bar" target="_blank">The Town Hall Café</a>, for casual fare. If you want to be wined and dined, you're best off staying put at the Hotel Portmeirion's upscale restaurant &ndash; sit on the terrace to soak up those views. north East - yorkshire dalesViews which are normally only found on the big screen await you in the Yorkshire Dales. Historic castles like Scarborough Castle and ruins like <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rievaulx-abbey/" target="_blank">Rievaulx Abbey</a> help to frame the landscape and scenery in Yorkshire and are well worth a look. Where to stay: Experience the beauty of the outside by heading to one of the <a href="https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/england/yorkshire-dales" target="_blank">Natural Retreat's lodges</a>. What to eat: Check out <a href="https://www.retreatgrassington.co.uk" target="_blank">The Retreat Tea Room & Bistro</a> for fresh bakes all day and Bistro-style grub in the evening. Located in the pretty village of Grassington, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, you can expect an emphasis on locally-sourced, hearty fare, as well as great coffee.<img alt="yorkshire-dales-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/yorkshire-dales-web__square_GL?scl=1">For city-lovers... Visit YorkExquisite York is well-worth visiting for cute shops, charming tearooms and cosy pubs.Where to stay: There are so many lovely hotels to choose from. <a href="http://www.theparisi.com/" target="_blank">The Parisi</a> is colourful, funky, retro and mid-priced. Want to splurge? Stay at Michelin-starred pub with rooms <a href="https://www.blackswanoldstead.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Black Swan at Oldstead</a>, where rooms are beautifully furnished and views are equally lovely. For tighter budgets, opt for cosy guest-house <a href="https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/accommodation.htm" target="_blank">The Bar Convent</a>. Sorted!What to eat: Food-wise, there is a mind-boggling array of good restaurants in York. Try loved local <a href="https://meltonsrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">Meltons</a> for high-end European food &ndash; or if you're after something more casual, opt for family-friendly <a href="http://thepigandpastry.com/" target="_blank">The Pig & Pastry</a> (which serves up fantastically hearty breakfasts). <h2>north West - cumbria</h2>Some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Britain can be found in lush Cumbria. Swap your motor for a pair of walking boots or a mountain bike if you want to make the most of the stunning views the Lake District has to offer. As well as enjoying your time on land, you can also take to the lakes and coastline.Where to stay: Stay in a luxury cottage which is on the shores of Ullswater. <a href="https://www.waternookonullswater.com/" target="_blank">Waternook</a> is set amid 26 acres of private grounds with lake views and plenty of space for children to burn off some energy before supper. Or sleep under the stars and <a href="https://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/glamping/lake-district" target="_blank">go glamping</a> near the Lake District.What to eat: Once hailed as the Lake District's original gastropub, at <a href="http://drunkenduckinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Drunken Duck Inn</a> you can expect rustic-chic, and the menu includes great British classics such as venison and pork belly. <img alt="lake-district-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/lake-district-web__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Midlands - Nottinghamshire</h2>Take in some history at one of the country's finest Grade One listed Elizabethan mansions, <a href="https://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/" target="_blank">Wollaton Hall and Park</a> which is set in 500 acres of parkland - perfect for letting the kids run around. Or head into Sherwood Forest, the legendary stomping-ground of Robin Hood. Where to stay: Romantic medieval castles and forests conjure up thoughts of Robin Hood's legend, making Nottinghamshire the place to go. You could sleep in a yurt in <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park" target="_blank">Clumber Park</a> or get some R&R in a log cabin in <a href="https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/locations/heart-of-england-holidays/sherwood-holidays" target="_blank">Sherwood Forest</a>. What to eat: Do steak-frites, boeuf bourguignon and crème brûlée sound good? If so, head to French restaurant <a href="https://bistrotpierre.co.uk/locations/nottingham" target="_blank">Bistrot Pierre</a>, where chefs put their own take on French favourites like tarte flambée, confit de canard and pâté de campagne.<img alt="sherwood-forest-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sherwood-forest-web__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>South East - isle of wight</h2>For what feels like a real escape from normality (and to fill your lungs with good sea air), head to the beautiful Isle of Wight. Known for its glorious beaches, take the family hunting for the isle's famous fossils and dinosaur remains across the coastline.Where to stay: Stay in a Safari tent at <a href="https://tomsecolodge.com/" target="_blank">Tom's Eco Lodge</a>, which is situated on beautiful (and sustainable) Tapnell Farm.What to eat: Try local honeycomb at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theislandbakers/" target="_blank">the Island Bakers'</a> shop at Newport; for comfort in the form of beef pie, head to <a href="http://www.thetavernersgodshill.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Taverners</a> in Godshill. For a posh evening out, it has to be a classically-influenced menu at <a href="https://www.robertthompson.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thompson's</a>. <img alt="isle-of-wight-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/isle-of-wight-web__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>South West - Cornwall</h2>One of the sunniest parts of the UK, Cornwall's southerly latitude and sunny climate are only part of its charm. Popular with surfers, Cornwall has a truly spectacular coastline and a variety of picturesque beaches.Where to stay: Overlooking a fantastic surfing beach in Newquay, <a href="https://www.watergatebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Watergate Bay hotel</a> is a super-stylish option for those willing to splurge. On the Isle of Scilly, <a href="https://www.hellbay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hell Bay hotel on the Island of Bryher</a> has more of a New England vibe, with balcony views over pretty gardens and the untamed beach. The best budget option is probably Penzance's stylish-yet-informal <a href="https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/cornwall/" target="_blank">Artist Residence</a>.What to eat: You can't go to Cornwall without getting a cream tea. Don't forget to top your scones with jam first, then cream - or risk offending the locals! Hidden in the middle of the beautiful Cardinham Woods, <a href="https://www.woodscafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Woods Café</a> is an idyllic spot to relax and unwind with a cup of tea and a sweet treat.<img alt="cornwall-web__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/cornwall-web__square_GL?scl=1">For city lovers... Visit BathBath is full of ex-Londoners for a reason &ndash; it has absolutely everything you could want from a leading city, but minus the stress-inducing crowds and pollution. A haven for foodies, it is home to excellent shops, pubs, restaurants and markets. Where to stay: Budget-friendly <a href="https://www.dukesbath.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dukes'</a> gets rave reviews, as does <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/near-bath/" target="_blank">The Pig-near Bath</a> (which is part of a small, much-loved chain of restaurants-with-rooms). For total relaxation, <a href="https://www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">The Gainsborough Bath Spa</a> is the only hotel spa in Bath with access to natural thermal waters. Bliss. What to eat: Check out local favourite pub The Star Inn (which has no website); head to <a href="http://www.colonnaandsmalls.co.uk/" target="_blank">Colonna & Small</a> for coffee and <a href="https://www.thecircusrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Circus</a> for classic English grub.Shop for everything you could possibly need for your staycation <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/" target="_blank">online</a>, or <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">pop into your local store</a>.<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

8 destinations for a great UK staycation

By Asda Good Living,8th July 2019

TAGS

RELATED ARTICLES