The staycation, I was delighted when I saw that this was the link up theme with Rebecca, Kelly, Emma and Mandy. I like nothing better than an exotic trip away, but at the same time – I also know what I like and like what I know and a UK staycation can’t fail to deliver it!!
My three favourite and much tested locations are: Cornwall, North Norfolk and the Lake District (Cumbria). All very different and all spectacular!
I find it quite hard to pick whether to do s/c or hotel when near home, and predominantly we go for the former having found some great companies that repeatedly deliver and also relishing the space and peace and quiet (and knowing we’ll be sorted food and drink wise from a local supermarket if need be). But I have also found some good options for hotels too. The beauty of a staycation is that it is easy to get a good break with just a long weekend, and value for money without flights is superb meaning a regular splurge on the accommodation!
Cornwall
Cornwall in June – it could have been the Mediterrean
Being Cornish, I’ll always be rooting for here as one of the best destinations! Ignore the critics who say it always rains and there’s no phone coverage. They may be partially right, the phone coverage in some remote areas isn’t great and isn’t that a blessing! As for the weather, the country is as beautiful on a grey mizzle day as a sunny one and there are palm trees in Falmouth that don’t die in the winter and thrive in the summer heat!! Cornwall spoils you for choice with options but my firm favourites are the quiet spots – we love Cape Cornwall and the Lizard particularly – quite spectacular. The mining scenery is quite unique.
Cornwall in October – quiet and plenty of sunshine
Not to be missed are the Cornish pasties – my favourites are just off the A30 near Redruth, and in my view the country’s best export (since tin) fizz from camel valley. We are heading back there later in the month to stay at the Old Coastguard in Mousehole, but on previous occasions self-catered in Cape Cornwall and St Erth.
North coast of Norfolk
Norfolk skies – Brancaster
As they say in monopoly, ‘do not pass go, go straight to jail’ – I’ll translate that to ‘don’t worry about the broads, head to the coast!!’ The reach between Thornham and Holkham is really beautiful – long sandy beaches, constantly moving dunes and most importantly a severe lack of people! That said – the area is known as Chelsea-on-sea and as a result there are some fabulous pubs, restaurants and delicatessens to enjoy. It is also flat – so for a walking holiday it is nice and easy going!!
Lovely north Norfolk
We love the coast walk between villages and then getting the coast hopper bus back to our starting point, and stopping in a pub with a map in the evening to plan the next day. Burnham Overy Staithe is closest to my heart having summered there when I was young, but Brancaster has become our firm favourite in recent years – I especially enjoy sunset on the beach by the golf club!!
Lake District
Cumbria in all weather!
We go here if we want to get out on the hills, hike and then eat big portions in the evening! Over the years I’ve been up many of the peaks and they really are stunning – Wainwright was right about that! Our first holiday together took in helvellyn and then we returned a few years ago for our first anniversary and had a luxe week at the Drunken Duck (fab afternoon tea and fizz served in room on a daily basis!!!). Always go prepared for all weather – that way you’ll always get the best, we were at the summit of scafell when the rain cleared and we could see all the way to the coast – stunning!
Just looking through my triptease profile to add the links above, wow – there is so much to see in the UK, have a flick through my photos and musings, and I’m sure you will find countless ideas!
So those are my personal favourites, tell me yours – the beauty of the staycation means we can easily get to more places soon!!
I’ve never managed to properly explore the Norfolk coast, your photos have convinced me!
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Oh it is just stunning – we bought a picture from a local photographer – pebbles photography – it’s on out bedroom wall and daily it reminds us just how lovely!! Plenty more tips for the area on the ALTB link I gave!! Enjoy!!
Growing up in Cornwall and Studying in Cumbria I have to agree with your thoughts and your pictures bring back such memories.
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Great minds! Thanks Ben – they’re my favourites from most recent visits! Need to see the lakes on a summers day though too!!
I loved the at Autumn and winter in Cumbria with all the different colors and nearly being nearly permanently in golden hour light.
I love Norfolk, my other half goes diving in the area most summers so I normally go at least once and have a little drive around and it’s such a pretty area of England. The Drunken Duck sounds like a winner! xx
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and with your new car, lets hope he’s got a diving trip booked soon! I love the shops in Burnham Market and along the coast – so many nautical things for the home! make sure you pack light!
I hate to admit that as a travel writer I’ve been so busy wandering aboard that there is much of England I’ve yet to explore including Cornwall and the Lakes.
I don’t think I could pick a favourite though of the counties I have been too but Sussex, Devon and Wiltshire all hold fond memories of chocolate box villages, rolling hills and country pubs, cream teas and cider..
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country pubs and cream teas – pretty much all that is needed to sell UK staycations! Let me know if you need any tips for Cornwall, it’s my Mastermind topic 😉
Beautiful scenery and photos, your article makes these spots very enticing indeed. I like the fact that Cornwall is your Mastermind topic, I shall certainly bear that in mind. I am also sharing the link with a good guy called John Buchanan, who I know from Twitter. He does boat hire on the Norfolk Broads. If you are ever going back to that area and fancy a day out in a boat, he’s your man! In the tweet I have mentioned you obviously and he’s @jbboats
You can’t beat a good old Cornish pastie in the heart of Cornwall! I was a frequent visitor to this part of England growing up, in particular we would stay near Newquay or St. Ives, both beautiful seaside towns. But all of Cornwall offers gorgeous landscapes and scenery and reading this post makes me want to go back ASAP! Love the Lake District also though be prepared for the stereotypical English weather to be in full force in that part of the country (I am originally from near Manchester so not too far south from the Lakes!). Norfolk is one part of England that I have never visited so this is certainly now on my must-visit list.
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Highly recommend Norfolk next time you are back! And you are so right about the english weather, especially in the north!! I’m always amazed how few people have been further than Devon – so I’m glad you have!