The abundance of low-cost flights and fantastic nearby destinations means that we often look abroad when it comes to taking a holiday. Yet we mustn’t forget that the UK is a world-class destination in its own right.
| Editorial |
Some 40 million people visit our shores each year, and it’s not hard to see why — our country boasts cities, nature, and events that rival anywhere else in the world.
Oddly, it’s usually people from other countries that have a better understanding of the UK than we do, for no other reason than we’re always jetting off elsewhere. Many of us haven’t spent all that much time exploring England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Could this be the year when that all changes? With overseas travel looking like it’s probably off the cards this year then staycations are going to be huge.
Staycations are generally easier to organise and there’s no shortage of excellent options for a fun few days with friends. In this blog, I’ll run through seven of the best social trip ideas to put into action this year.
To the capital
People have a love-hate relationship with London. Yes, it can be chaotic and expensive.
But it’s also one of the greatest cities in the world, offering world-class culture, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and events.
For all these reasons and more, it provides the perfect base for a group trip. Indeed, the versatility of the city (it provides everything) means you can tailor your trip to the specific desires of the group. Want to spend a day soaking up the art galleries with your cultured friends?
Or how about sampling the best craft beers/gins? The city will have you covered no matter what you’re looking for.
To the races
If you’re looking for a staycation that is exciting, social, and quintessentially British, then Cheltenham Festival has you covered. Usually taking place over four days in March, this horse racing extravaganza is one of the biggest in the world and features several high-profile races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The appeal of the festival extends beyond horse racing, however. This is one of the social events of the year that invites attendees to dress to the nines and have a good time while watching horses and checking out international celebrities. For this reason, it provides a perfect opportunity to grab some friends and enjoy a few days of fun.
You’ll want to book your tickets and accommodation as early as possible and read up on expert Cheltenham Festival tips before you attend so you know which horses to follow. And if you were looking for an excuse to treat yourself to a new outfit, then this well-dressed festival provides just that. You’ll have a great time.
To the Lakes
If you and your friends are usually found swanning about cities, a la Sex & The City, then why not mix things up slightly by grabbing some camping supplies and heading to the Lake District? There are some outstanding campsites in the area, which is arguably the loveliest in the UK.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re not a camper — this belief holds people back from having an experience that’ll create plenty of lifelong, fun-filled memories with friends.
Plus, camping doesn’t have to mean that you’re living without any of the comforts of modern life. While there are some rustic campsites, the majority are beginner-friendly, with modern showers, toilets, and even a bar and restaurant.
To get the full camping experience, it’s recommended that you go for at least a few days, and you’ll make things even easier for yourself if you go during late spring or summer when the weather is more likely to be agreeable.
Roadtrippin North
When we think of taking a road trip, we usually think of taking ourselves across the pond and enjoying one of the world-class car trips in the United States or even further away in Australia or New Zealand. But the UK has some pretty excellent journeys all of its own.
Why not take a look at a trip to the Scottish Highlands? This is one of the most beautiful places not only in the UK but in the world — there’s just something about it that captures the imagination.
To make it an extra special trip, plan to stay in the famous Scottish bothies. These are free accommodation spots dotted around the Highlands and the rest of Scotland.
Even though they’re free, some of them can be, well, not luxurious exactly, but better than you’d expect. While you might have the place entirely for yourself, you’ll likely find that you’re sharing with other groups.
Open a bottle of whiskey, light a fire, and exchange some travel stories.
House of Oak have reviewed the top stately homes in the UK and whittled them down to reveal a hotlist of the most grand and luxurious houses to visit, all steeped in an immersive history.
They include Scotland’s Mount Stuart, Chatsworth House in the Peak District and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
Underrated cities
We mentioned London earlier in the article, but the capital isn’t the only city worth visiting in the UK. Far from it.
It seems that in the past decade or so, cities in all four corners of the country have gone through a revival that makes them excellent places to visit.
Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle all provide fantastic weekends that differ from what you’ll find in London. If you’re looking for a place in the south of England that’s not London, then consider visiting Bristol or Brighton, both of which are beautiful cities full of great things to do.
Edinburgh, too, should always feature on a list of the best cities in the UK. If you’re looking to combine your travels with some culture, then try visiting during the Fringe festival, the world’s largest arts festival, which usually takes place over several weeks each August.
Beach life
Finally, what about spending a week by the seaside? You don’t have to visit southern Europe or beyond for a beach holiday.
The UK has you covered! Cornwall might not be as warm as Spain most of the time, but it’s just as beautiful and provides just as much fun.
Grab your friends, rent a beachside cottage, and plan for an awesome week of surfing and exploring. And you don’t even need to learn another language!
