Hold the vacation for a staycation
5 places to holiday in England
COVID-19 has certainly thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to travelling abroad. While many of us are craving that summer breeze and feeling the sand between our toes, we sometimes forget that our home country is in fact full of spectacular places to visit.
With the main accommodation sector (hotels, holiday parks, hostels) set to open on 17th May, let this article inspire you to take a well-earned break to a destination which is a little closer to home…
Cambridge
There is no doubt that the architecture in Cambridge is truly stunning. From the University grounds to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a trip to Cambridge will leave you in awe of its architectural beauty. Forget gondolas in Venice, Cambridge offers a similar quintessential punting experience alongside the university colleges allowing you to absorb the city from a different perspective. The prestigious city is also home to a wealth of culture which can be learnt about through its array of museums, and for when you’re in need of a quick lunch break, Cambridge offers a variety of eateries, street food stalls and food in their traditional city market which is open Monday-Friday.
If you fancy a wander outside of Cambridge, the little towns surrounding the city are a great start. The idyllic town of Bury St Edmunds is a perfect day out, especially for beer drinkers; there you can also find one of England’s smallest pubs The Nutshell!
The Lake District
With the end of Lockdown soon to be arriving, there is nothing better than being able to end the constant cycle of food shops and every day feeling the same with a change of scenery.
The Lake District is the perfect destination to escape the realities of life and get back in touch with nature. Its tranquillity and scenic landscapes provide endless treks for both beginners and experts along the mountain's peak, including the well-known Scafell Pike. Though for when you’re looking to do something a little tamer, a visit to the market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth would certainly be a good start.
Bath
For those that love a trip to Budapest – Bath is England’s equivalent. Bath offers the opportunity to visit the Roman Baths and its museum in order to absorb yourself in one of England’s most popular historic attractions. Whilst you may not be able to dip your toes in the baths, you can still experience the hot waters in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, a perfect spot to relax and take in the high views of the Somerset city.
For when you’re not relaxing, why not try the six-mile Skyline Walk through Bath’s luscious woodland or taste the renowned Sally Lunn Bun at the Historic Eating House. For when you fancy something a little stronger, Bath offers a variety of cocktail and gin bars including Sub 13 and The Canary Gin Bar.
Jurassic Coast
This majestic coastline stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth between Dorset and Devon certainly captures the natural geography of the English coast. The coastline offers an immense amount of walking trails including the South West Coast path as well as picturesque beaches such as Chapman’s Pool beach cove, Lulworth Cove and the well-known Durdle Door beach.
Not quite the same as surfing in Sagres in Portugal, but the SUP skills are certainly one to test here!
York
The city itself is worth visiting for its beauty and cobblestone streets. It’s quaint alleys and old narrow walkways include the famous street ‘The Shambles’ which will definitely leave you feeling as though you stepped straight onto an old English movie set. York also offers the opportunity to visit its magnificent cathedral the York Minster and to immerse yourself in its eminent history through the Ghost Walk of York and JORVIK Viking Centre, but if you don’t fancy that, why not try an afternoon tea in Betty’s Tea Rooms.
For all the beer lovers reading this, York is also home to the Theakston Ale Brewery located in Masham, North Yorkshire. Founded in 1827, here you’ll be able to take a day or evening tour around the brewery to taste the ale straight from the cask and relish in the beer’s history, though you would need to check its opening times due to COVID-19.