Cheap UK staycation deals

Who says you need to go abroad to have a brilliant holiday?

No mad dash through the airport, no exhausting plane journey, and no need to worry about getting sunburnt (most of the time, that is). Yep, there’s a reason more and more people are opting to holiday at home.

This year, it’s all about the staycation: having a holiday close to home, in your own county or taking a trip to another part of the UK. It’s great for the environment, a brilliant way to rediscover your own backyard, and often much easier on the bank balance. Without flights, money conversions, and transfers to shell out for, UK staycations tend to be a lot cheaper.

So, how can you get the best deal on a staycation? The same way you would any holiday: shop around, book early and use TravelSupermarket to compare the best deals!

From top to bottom, the UK is packed with brilliant destinations for a weekend break. Here are five of the best.

London

One of the most exciting cities in the world, London ticks all the boxes for a weekend break. With world-class art and theatre, exceptional food and drink, and brilliant museums and cultural attractions, the English capital is one of the few destinations that lives up to the cliché: there really is something for everyone.

Lake District

After a staycation set in the great outdoors? They don’t come much greater than the Lake District. England’s biggest national park is absolutely packed with scenic beauty, from its stunning lakes, such as Windermere, Buttermere, and Derwent Water, to its beautiful valleys and endless rolling fells (including Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak). In and amongst all that nature, you’ll find picturesque villages, such as Ambleside and Kendal, and countless country pubs.

North Wales

From the jagged peaks of Snowdonia to the sandy shores of Llandudno, North Wales is ripe for exploration over a weekend. Small but mighty, there’s a huge range of activities to pack in – from hiking up Mount Snowdon and whizzing down the longest zipline in Europe to discovering castles in Conwy and surfing in Anglesey. To get the most out of your trip, consider renting a car in Wales.

New Forest

A sprawling tract of unhindered forest and pastureland, the New Forest in England’s south is a brilliant spot for a sedate staycation. Ideal for active travellers, the national park has over 225km (140 miles) of cycle trails and 40 hiking paths to choose from, plus loads of other fun activities, such as pony trekking, kayaking and canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and archery. It’s a great one for young families, too.

Edinburgh

A magnificent castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile… something incredible awaits at every turn in Edinburgh. From the wynds and crannies of the city’s medieval centre down to the wide, elegant streets of the Georgian new town, history plays a huge part in Edinburgh’s beauty. That’s not to say that the Scottish capital lacks a contemporary side. Every year, the famous Fringe Festival sets the bar for contemporary performance around the world.

There’s no shortage of brilliant destinations for a family staycation in the UK. We’ve rounded up five of the best.

Newquay

With its brilliant beaches, classic seaside attractions and accommodation to suit all budgets, there’s little wonder Newquay is one of the UK’s best spots for a family staycation. Take the kids for a surf lesson on iconic Fistral Beach, go shark spotting at Blue Reef Aquarium, and hit the rides at nearby Flambards theme and water park.

Isle of Wight

Safe, sandy beaches and very little stress make the Isle of Wight a fantastic option for a family holiday in the UK. Just off the south coast, take the ferry over from Portsmouth or Southampton and you’ll be there in under an hour. On the island, Shanklin and Sandown beaches are popular with families, while the aqua park at Tapnell Farm (think Total Wipeout for over-eights) makes for a fun day out.

Blackpool

The theme parks, the enormous beach, the tower… what’s not to like about Blackpool? One of the original “staycation locations”, Blackpool has been keeping families happy since the 1800s with its affordable prices and brilliant seaside entertainment options. Besides sand, sea and amusement rides, there’s also a Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and an entire model village to explore. Good times, guaranteed.

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

With 24km (15 miles) of golden sandy coastline to play with, Great Yarmouth in Norfolk is a wonderful option for a UK family holiday. Between the retro pier (complete with rides and amusement arcades), pleasure beach theme park and donkey rides, the kids won’t have a spare second to stop, let alone get bored! Whether you stay for a few days as part of a trip to the nearby Norfolk Broads, or a whole week by the beach, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Yorkshire

From exciting cities and classic seaside resorts to glorious national parks, Yorkshire has the lot. Head to York and discover Britain’s long Viking history at the interactive Jorvik centre. Strap on your hiking boots and explore the wild moors of Yorkshire Dales. Hit the beach at Scarborough or Bridlington. In Halifax, West Yorkshire, you’ll even find the national children’s museum, Eureka!, an interactive museum for 0 to 11s.

Britain has beaches for days - we just never shout about them. Here are five of the best destinations for a beach break in the UK.

Cornwall

Dreamy little coves, iconic surf spots, white-sand wonders, family-friendly beaches… Cornwall has it all. The heavyweight champion of British beaches, England’s most southwesterly region has a whopping 680km (422 miles) of coastline to play with. From big, popular beaches, such as Fistral and Bude, to small, hidden bays, like Porthpean and Kynance Cove, there’s a beach for all occasions on Cornwall. Great spots for a Cornwall beach holiday include Newquay, St Ives, Bude and Falmouth.

Pembrokeshire

Home to some of the most beautiful – not to mention quietest – beaches in the UK, Pembrokeshire is well worth the trip. Wild and remote, the Welsh county sits on the country’s far west, jutting out into the Irish Sea, fringed by 305km (190 miles) of pristine coastline. Some of the best beaches include Barafundle on the south coast, Marloes Sand on the western tip, and Whitesands Bay and Caerfai Bay on St David’s Peninsula. It’s great for watersports, too.

Devon

From award-winners, like Woolacombe Beach, to secluded local secrets, such as Mattiscombe, Devon is a beach bum’s dream destination. Here you’ll find safe, sandy Blue Flag beaches, wild and wonderful surf spots, sheltered rock pools fit for exploration, and much more besides. Up on the north, the long stretch of coast between Ilfracombe and Westward Ho! is home to some of Devon’s finest beaches. Meanwhile, the English Riviera, on the south coast, offers a mix of pretty seaside resorts and sheltered beaches.

Jersey and Guernsey

Adrift in the English Channel between Britain and France, the Channel Islands are awash with blissful beaches. On Jersey, St Brelade's Bay, a large, golden beach, and Greve de Lecq, famed for its tropically clear waters, are among the best. Guernsey, meanwhile, has plenty that compete, including white-sand Fermain Bay, surf favourite Vazon Bay and L'Ancresse Bay, another stunner with impossibly clear water. Don’t settle for just one island, hop on the ferry between the two – it only takes an hour.

Dorset

Another south coast classic, Dorset’s cliff-backed shore is among Britain’s most dramatic and scenic. To see what the fuss is all about, head to the iconic stone arch at Durdle Door and nearby glassy waters of Lulworth Cove. Seeking sand? Check out the long, golden curves at Bournemouth or Studland Bay. Perfect for wannabe dinosaur hunters, the Jurassic Coastline is packed with fossils, shells, and bones scattered along its many pebble beaches.

Keep it cheap and cheerful with these five brilliant cheap UK staycation destinations.

Blackpool

Blackpool made its name as an affordable holiday destination, and the same still rings true today. With a wide range of accommodation options, from campsites and caravan parks to seaside B&Bs to holiday cottages, there’s plenty of choice if you’re looking for a staycation a budget. On top of that, the biggest attraction in town, Blackpool’s enormous beach, is completely free. Fish and chips may cost extra.

Cardiff

For a cheap UK city break, you can’t go wrong with Cardiff. From the average price of a hotel to the cost of a pint, the Welsh capital consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities in Britain. Throw in its brilliant museums (National Museum, St Fagans National Museum of History, and the Museum of Cardiff are all free to enter), the bars and restaurants of Cardiff Bay, and a game of rugby at the Principality Stadium, and you’ve got a top city break on your hands – and all for a steal.

Norfolk

Home to brilliant resort towns, such as Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk is a brilliant destination for a staycation on a budget. A county of big skies and big sandy beaches, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the cheap. A hotspot for wildlife, be sure to take a boat trip up to Blakeney Point to see the seal colonies or try a bit of birdwatching at the Cley next the Sea marshes.

Isle of Man

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, an avid walker, or just fancy a relaxing break somewhere pretty and pleasant, the Isle of Man will be right up your street. Just an affordable ferry journey away (from Liverpool), the island has retained a certain sleepy charm that draws dedicated holidaymakers back year after year. Be sure to spend some time in island capital Douglas, a tiny town set on a spectacular bay.

Skegness

From fish and chips on the pier to sandcastles on the beach, staycations in Skegness are all about the simple things. With a huge beach, a massive funfair, loads of arcades and amusements, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun (if it’s shinning, that is!). The east coast equivalent to Blackpool, “Skeggy” is your classic, no-frills, low-cost British seaside destination with a broad range of accommodation that makes it extra affordable.

The UK is famous for its green rolling countryside. Here are five of the best spots for a bucolic British break.

Scottish Highlands

For raw, untamed countryside, head to the Scottish Highlands. A place of epic lochs, towering mountains, wild deer and crumbling castles, this vast tract of Scotland is almost mythical in its beauty. After a few days here, you’ll soon see what the fuss is about – it really is that spectacular. It’s home to the Cairngorms, Britain’s largest national park, Ben Nevis, its tallest peak, the iconic Loch Ness, some of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries, and much more.

Yorkshire

Stuck for countryside staycation ideas? Yorkshire is absolutely bursting with great options. Think rolling green hills traced with ancient stone walls, fragrant moorland cloaked in purple heather, and busy market towns packed with brilliant pubs. Both its national parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales offer the classic Yorkshire experience in full. Top picks for the Moors include Malton, Pickering and Robin Hoods Bay. In the Dales, stay in Grassington, Sedbergh or Ripon.

Peak District

Slap bang in the centre of Britain, the Peak District’s location makes it a great choice for a UK countryside holiday. As you might have gleaned from the name, the Peaks is famous for its hills, mountains and dales. Popular with walkers, cyclists and rock climbers, the national park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including caving and horse-riding. Buxton, Edale, Bamford and Bakewell all make good bases to explore the park.

Cumbria

Home to the Lake District, parts of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a long stretch of coastline, Cumbria has plenty to offer for a staycation any time of year. Most people head straight to the Lakes, one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks, for its picturesque lakes and rugged fells. Other options include the Eden Valley and the Furness Peninsula.

Wales

Mountain-studded national parks, bucolic countryside, and wild stretches of untouched coastline – when it comes to nature, Wales really does have it all. For walking, head to Snowdonia National Park, the Brecon Beacons or the Isle of Anglesey. Stay in Monmouthshire for classic British countryside vibes, or the Gower Peninsula or Pembrokeshire for surfing, wild beaches and bracing clifftop walks.

What should I do if my holiday is cancelled?

If your holiday is cancelled by your travel provider, you are entitled to a full refund. Your first port of call should be directly with the company you booked with in order to get your money back.

Will coronavirus restrictions impact my holiday?

While coronavirus restrictions are easing across the UK, things can change and quickly. It’s important to stay up to date with any local travel advice as it may vary from region to region. For the latest advice, check local council websites before you book.