By Alex Saint

Whether you’ve been daydreaming about an urban adventure, an escape to the country or a classic bucket-and-spade break, you can satisfy that wanderlust right here in the UK. From Lake District landscapes straight out of a Tolkien novel to the cosmopolitan buzz of our nation’s capital, there’s something for everyone on the Great British Bucket List.

Granted, the dreaded drizzle may descend, but with our money-saving late holiday deals and last-minute staycation deals, you could score a luxury cottage, indulgent spa session or family caravan park stay that will keep your holiday fire alight. Plus, you just never know when the next heatwave might hit.

So, cut the cost of your next trip as well as your carbon footprint, and take inspiration from our 10 unmissable UK staycation ideas for your next holiday fix.

1. Glamping in Northern Ireland

Discover the idyllic Emerald Isle and, more specifically, the spectacular Causeway Coast. From luxury glamping pods and heated wigwams to fully kitted out caravans for the ultimate family getaway, happy campers will find an array of quirky accommodation hidden throughout the lush landscape.

Tick the UNESCO-protected Giant’s Causeway off your to-do list, admiring the curious rock formations that some say were made by a rather large man, and visit the stunning locations featured in the HBO drama Game of Thrones. With our Irish Ferries discounts, you can even pack up your pooch for free and enjoy one of the best UK getaways from the comfort of your car.

2. Stay in a cosy Cotswold Cottage

Step straight into a fairy tale staycation and visit the glorious Cotswolds, renowned for its chocolate-box villages and quaint thatched cottages. There’s nothing more quintessentially English than this collection of oh-so-charming market towns dotted throughout the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. If you’re partial to long walks and bike rides peppered with Olde English pubs, browse the low-cost luxury Cotswold cottages from Sykes for a one-way ticket to holiday heaven. If you're looking for romantic places to stay in the UK, the Cotswolds takes the crown.

3. Hike the Lake District

If you’re on the hunt for cheap activity holidays in the UK that pack a powerful punch, there’s no better way to get acquainted with the Great Outdoors than with a Lake District holiday. Breathe in the freshest of air and exhale all the stress of the daily grind before getting stuck into an exhilarating range of outdoor pursuits, including gorge walking, sailing, mountain biking and more. Whether you're looking for cheap weekend breaks or a luxury lakeside lodge with a view, help yourself to a Haven discount code for a self-catering stay with style.

4. Beach-hop in Cornwall

Think you have to travel abroad for turquoise waters and golden sands? Think again! The Cornish Riviera makes for one of the best UK beach holidays, and can make all your Caribbean fantasies come true. As UK holidays in the sun go, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the attractive coves and bays of Penzance or the glassy waters of Sennen Cove.

Indulge in a Cornish cream tea in the charming town of Truro or score yourself a last-minute deal at the John Fowler St. Ives Holiday Village with its acres of woodland and indoor pool. Even if the beach picnic is rained off, your trip will still make a splash.

5. Scale Mount Snowdon

Dust off your trusty hiking gear to tackle the slopes of the highest mountain in Wales and England, Mount Snowdon. Your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch all the way to Ireland, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve conquered one of the greatest peaks the UK has to offer. Alternatively, sack off the walking and hop on board the charming Snowdon Railway for an unforgettable steam train ride three-quarters of the way to the summit. A staycation in Wales offers scenic landscapes in spades!

Complement your climb with a discounted National Trust membership to take advantage of the most beautiful gardens, tea rooms, and holiday cottages in Wales. Your money helps to protect and maintain these special locations, so we like to think buying a membership counts as a good deed too.  

6. See the London sights

Enjoy a slice of culture along with the joys of cosmopolitan city life, and tick the iconic landmarks of London off your holiday hit list. From the awesome Tower of London, steeped in bloodthirsty history and intrigue, to the stunning Kew Gardens, brimming with exotic trees and plant life; there’s something for everyone in this exciting capital city.

Whether it’s the incredible cityscape visible from the London Eye or a window-shopping trip at Harrods that appeals, you can keep your costs under control with a few nifty tricks. Discover the street food markets, hop on the tube, and arm yourself with a cheap London Explorer Pass from us, to check out the best London sights on a budget. If you're smart about it, a staycation in London is one of the best UK city breaks for couples with romantic parks, free museums and cheap galleries on tap.

7. Explore Edinburgh and The Lothians

Combine a dazzling city break with a calming countryside retreat and visit Edinburgh and The Lothian, the Scottish destination that has it all. This compact area offers a delightful menu of top attractions and fun activities to sink your teeth into. Visit the mighty fortress that is Edinburgh Castle and shop the independent merchants, designers and artisan boutiques in the famous Grass Market shopping stretch, before swanning off to the white, sandy beach at Seacliff or a log cabin deep in the forests of the Scottish borders.

With Edinburgh’s well-connected airport offering a convenient entry point to the region, all you need is discount flights and cheap airport parking from us to embrace one of the most romantic places to stay in the UK.

8. A caravan holiday in Wales

A classic budget caravan holiday has long been the ultimate choice for an affordable self-catered staycation and is particularly suitable for budget family breaks. Simply factor in the scintillating scenery of South Wales to upgrade your experience. Connect with Mother Nature on the rugged golden sands of the Pembrokeshire coast or get acquainted with the verdant peaks of Brecon National Park while you slip into a slower-paced, simpler life. If you can’t quite bring yourself to part with too many creature comforts, book your cheap caravan stay at Park Dean Resorts for heated pools, family entertainment and tasty grub you can order to go.

9. A seaside break in Brighton

If you do like to be beside the seaside, soak up that salty air in one of Great Britain’s favourite coastal resorts, Brighton. Lively bars and the Grand Pier’s retro amusement arcade give Brighton Beach a fun-filled atmosphere, while the independent shops and quirky pubs in The Lanes lend the city a vibrant and creative edge.

Relax in a deckchair with a portion of good old-fashioned fish and chips in the name of self-care or book a luxurious, bubbly-drenched Brighton spa break to unwind without breaking the bank. 

10. Road trip on the Jurassic Coast

Hit the highway and taste the sweet freedom of the road with a driving holiday on one of the finest stretches of coastline in Europe. The Jurassic Coast connects the postcard-pretty port town of Exmouth to the beaches of Studland Bay with ribbons of sand, coastal villages and unique rock formations to explore in-between. So named due to the incredible geology of the region, the Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site with the iconic limestone archway of Durdle Door standing sentinel at the end of the route. Clear some space on your camera roll - you’re going to need it.

Why not break up your Jurassic Coast holiday with a series of stylish coastal cottages? You’ll find an array of Dorset accommodation available at Mulberry Cottages with pet-friendly, family-friendly, and luxury options to choose from. Just check out our late holiday deals for the most unique cottages in the UK - enjoy a cheap and very cheerful stay!

Celebrate the best of Great Britain with this bucket list of adventures, and use our travel deals to shave precious pennies off the price.