The 7 Best Staycation Spots in the UK

The UK is home to some of the most exciting, beautiful and culturally significant places in the world. From ancient castles to imposing mountains, dolphin watching to ceilidh dancing, who needs two weeks abroad when you have these gems on your doorstep? Leave your passport at home and experience one (or more!) of these incredible holidays in Great Britain this summer.

 Lake District

The beauty of the Lakes inspired Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and John Ruskin, and with its stunning and picturesque valleys, forests and mountains, it’s not difficult to see why.

A trip to the Lakes will undoubtedly need to include one of its famous walks. Several hours striding through brooks and over stiles will be paid off by a memorable evening of food and wine. After all, the Lake District is well located for incredible restaurants, including L’Enclume, Holbeck Ghyll and the Inn at Whitewell.

B&M must-have: If you want to walk in (some of) the footsteps of the great Alfred Wainwright who chartered and published books on 214 of the fells in the Lakes, it might be a good idea to pack Compeed Blister Plasters 5pk.

Edinburgh

A walk down the Royal Mile, exploring Edinburgh castle and enjoying a wee dram at one of the Victorian pubs (try a 16 year old single malt down at the Guildford Arms) are just some of the things you should experience in the Scottish capital. But if you want to stride through Auld Reekie like a true Scot, a bite of deep-fried Mars Bar and a swig of Irn-Bru will set you up.

B&M must-have: No trip to Edinburgh is complete without climbing up Arthur’s Seat, so pack this Tea Tree & Peppermint Moisturising Foot Pack and give your feet some TLC.

Cornwall

A trip to Cornwall is one of the best places to visit in the UK. With sun drenched beaches, turquoise waters and secluded bays, you could be mistaken for being in the Caribbean on a good day. Head to foodie heaven in Padstow, be serenaded by sea shanties in Port Isaac, and spot seals in St Ives. And if you get the chance, get a boat over to the Scilly Isles for what have been called “the finest beaches in the UK”. This is a place that demands a grand tour.

B&M must-have: The British Riviera is hot enough to grow palm trees and coffee beans, in which case, get P20 Sun Cream Factor 20 slapped on.

Bristol and Bath

Combine the quirkiness of ‘Brizzle’ with the antiquated beauty of Bath. Only twelve miles lie between these two cities, but whole worlds separate them. Bristol is a nightlife and culinary destination, while Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Roman baths and Georgian crescents. A city break is well worth spending a night in each.

B&M must-have: This city break deserves a bit of style, so invest in some good luggage, like this Black Cabin Bag.

Whitstable

Seafood shacks, beach huts and cute little boutiques make this a wonderful destination to visit this summer. Time your visit for the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival or the Ukulele Festival, plus for families, there’s an endless array of activities throughout the summer for young ones, from children’s pottery classes to kids drama workshops and music classes.

B&M must-have: A day at the seaside with the kids will mean this Disney Frozen Girls Swim Set 2pc is a must.

North Wales

Whether you’re planning a weekend away as a couple, with children or going solo, north Wales has a massive array of things to do. Anglesey is the gem of north Wales, with its 13th century castle, Victorian market towns and incredible beaches. Onto the mainland, and you have Mount Snowdon overlooking the national park.  Then there’s Festival No.6 in the quirky and unique Italianate town of Portmeirion, the kitsch charm of Rhyll and Llandudno, glamping in Bala… the list goes on.

B&M must-have: Whether it’s pitching up in the wild beauty of Snowdonia, by the river Conwy or in the more cosmopolitan Porthmadog, this 3-4 Person Pitch & Go Pop Up Tent will provide the perfect place to rest your head after a day of adventure.

Scottish Highlands 

There are parts of Scotland that look otherworldly, and the Highlands is no exception. Mountainous, wild and magical – and the setting for Braveheart, Rob Roy and Highlander. Try and spot the mythical monster in Loch Ness, watch dolphins swim in the Moray Firth and watch red deer in the Glencoe Valley – in between visits to whisky distilleries, taking in a trad session at the local pub and enjoying the incredible food and hotels in Inverness.

B&M must-have: Heat up a hot toddy and haggis on this Portable Gas Heater while you look out over the incredible vistas of Ben Nevis.

Looking for nice places to go in the UK this year? Don’t forget to visit the B&M Holiday Shop before you go - and share your staycation snaps on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.