For many of us, it’s another summer without a holiday abroad to look forward to. So unless we’re really lucky with the Great British Weather, we won’t be sunning ourselves on a 35-degree beach any time soon. Gutted!
However, in lieu of a European getaway or long-haul adventure, we’ve been booking Staycations in our droves. And you know what? It’s actually really quite nice to escape to the countryside or explore a new city without leaving the UK. No hanging about in airports or getting a bit queasy on the ferry, no duty free impulse purchases you instantly regret when you’re back home - you can pack absolutely everything (including the kitchen sink, if you like) into the car and you’re away. No fuss, no muss!
Of course, you’ll still need a whole new wardrobe for your trip. Plus some tips on what to pack, so you don’t actually take the kitchen sink. And if you haven’t got anywhere booked yet, we’ve even got some location ideas for you. Here’s how to make the most of your UK break this summer – from what to wear, where to go and how to pack!
Top UK staycation spots
The key to a successful staycation is in the location – you want somewhere that’s unfamiliar enough to feel like a proper trip away. Although popping to the next town over for the night might be amazing in terms of logistics, if you’re constantly spotting your friends/exes/colleagues while out and about, it probably won’t feel like being on holiday!
There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in the UK – here are some of our faves.
City
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to brilliant cities – if you’re looking for art and culture, amazing food, bright lights and late nights, a UK city break is a great shout. London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, York and Newcastle are all top destinations.
Coast
Because the UK is an island, you’re never too far away from a stretch of beach. And whether you want retro vibes or something a bit more modern, there’s a coastal spot for you. For the traditional Great British Seaside experience, Scarborough, Skegness and Blackpool have the amusements, the ice cream vans and the fish and chips for you. We love Cornwall for a picturesque beach break with amazing nature scenes, while Margate is a great spot for cool hipster shops and quirky food joints.
Country
If it’s rolling hills, breathtaking views and lots of long walks you’re after, the countryside is the one. From the Lakes to the Peaks, The Cotswolds, the Welsh hills or basically all of Scotland, there are endless countryside options to choose from and they’re all stunning. Even if it’s raining!
What to pack for a UK staycation
There may not be any restrictions on what you can take on your UK staycation, but it’s still worth being mindful of what you pack – no one enjoys unpacking a load of useless stuff only pack it up again, totally unused, a week later!
Try to plan out your outfits for each day, accounting for the Great British Weather – raingear is essential! Once you’ve got the clothes sorted, think about the kind of accommodation you’re staying in – does it have things like a hairdryer? Do you need to take your own towels? If you’re staying in a self-catered cottage or apartment, things like tea, coffee, washing up liquid and toilet roll can be useful to have on hand for when you arrive.
And if you’re beach-bound, take buckets and spades, separate beach towels and a tent or windbreaker to give you some shade.
Your UK staycation wardrobe
Ok, so you might not be strutting the streets of San Antonio or posing by the pool in Porto, but a cool and chic staycation wardrobe is still a must. We have a great selection of staycation picks to browse through – we’re loving these metallic Birkenstock mules and this stylish mustard yellow raincoat to cover all weather bases.
For little ones, these fresh and fruity t-shirts are easy-wearing and cab be layered under jumpers if the wind picks up. And for men, these casual camo cargo shorts are comfy and cool.
Discover more staycation fashion on the La Redoute website: https://www.laredoute.co.uk/pplp/cat-286186.aspx
