{"id":11077,"title":"5 Alternative Staycation Destinations in the UK","description":"It may be trickier to travel abroad this year but we think we're pretty fortunate to live in the UK. It's definitely staycation season!","content":"

Y'know what? It may be trickier to travel abroad this year but we think we're pretty fortunate to live in the UK; there's so much to see and do.<\/p>

The experts at VisitEngland<\/a> suggest we Escape The Everyday this year and seek out hidden gems off the beaten path. You're more likely to get accommodation, a table at your chosen pub and a spot on the beach this way.<\/p>

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In celebration of Staycations we've made a Staycay Range of clothing (you can find it easily in our Summer Edit<\/a>) and have pulled together this guide of some alternative staycation destinations for 2021. So if you're struggling to get a private pad in Cornwall in the middle of summer, read on...<\/p>

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1) The Isle of Wight<\/h2>

We might be a tiny <\/em>bit biased here because this is where our organic clothes and recycled art prints are made, but there's genuinely more to our affection for the diamond isle than that. Situated just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is easily reached by ferry and offers a real staycation escape. As you set sail from the mainland you can literally feel the troubles lifting from your shoulders.<\/p>

There's a beach in every direction<\/a> to rival Cornwall, pretty chocolate-box villages, bustling towns with amazing restaurants, miles of countryside and nature reserves teeming with wildlife. It's also been designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve<\/a>, celebrating the sustainable ways in which local people work with their natural environment.<\/p>

Travel there on the environmentally-friendly Victoria of Wight ferry, Victoria of Wight. She uses hybrid energy to power you across the Solent. Book your ferry with Wightlink<\/a>.<\/p>

(Photo thanks to Lison Zhao<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>

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2) County Durham<\/h2>

Harry Potter fans will already know why Durham is an ace staycation destination, but what's to enjoy in the county for the rest of us? The answer is: LOADS! Situated in the North East of England, County Durham is a dark-skies hotspot, home to one of England's biggest waterfalls and has castles to rival an episode of A Game of Thrones.<\/p>

Visit the Grassholme Observatory<\/a>, which overlooks Teesdale\u2019s Grassholme Reservoir, and use telescopes and high-tec instruments to gaze into to beauty of the universe. Ramble along the Heritage Coast<\/a> - 11 miles of amazing views and dramatic cliffs. Or take a ride on the world's oldest railway with Tanfield Railway<\/a>.<\/p>

County Durham is also a movie-lovers dream where you can visit several locations from the Harry Potter films, Avengers Endgame and The Witcher.<\/p>

(Photo thanks to David Ross<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>

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3) Birmingham<\/h2>

Home to forward-thinking architecture, miles of waterways and culture galore, Birmingham should definitely be on your list for a UK city break. The Times<\/a> suggest that Birmingham - along with Portsmouth and Manchester - \"are the real connoisseur\u2019s choices for a summer staycation. All great alternatives to London.<\/p>

There are a load of new hotels, restaurants and attractions opening this year<\/a> and a 6th season of Peaky Blinders to look forward to, too (so visit the sights before it's released). Sip a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars<\/a>, shop at the famous Bullring & Grand Central<\/a>, catch a movie at the oldest working cinema<\/a> in the UK or take a canal boat ride<\/a> to see the sights.<\/p>

(Photo thanks to Danilo D'Agostino<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>

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4) Canterbury<\/h3>

Canterbury, in the southern county of Kent, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that gave inspiration to Geroffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and is home to the remains of St Augustine\u2019s Abbey. Enjoy the sights by punting<\/a> down the River Stour, rediscover England's first cathedral<\/a> - a World Heritage Site, and walk through centuries of history. A great alternative to the heritage and architecture of Bath.<\/p>

Would you like a spot of cycling to go with your heritage? Why not try the 50-mile Cathedral to Coast circular bike<\/a> ride which links Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone.<\/p>

At Home With With Alice<\/a> has more great tips on how to enjoy Canterbury.<\/p>

(Photo thanks to Inja Pavli\u0107<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>

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5. Haworth<\/h2>

Haworth <\/a>and Bront\u00eb Country is mostly known as the home of the famous Bront\u00eb sisters, but that's not all there is to this picturesque village set in dramatic moorland. Roam the wild moors and Pennine countryside or browse independent shops on cobbled streets.<\/p>

But of course, literature lovers won't want to miss the Bront\u00eb landmarks; the parsonage<\/a> that was the sisters' home from 1820, the places that inspired their writing, the ruins of Top Withens<\/a> and Bront\u00eb Falls.<\/p>

And a fun fact for you: Haworth is twinned with Machu Picchu!<\/p>

(Photo thanks to Rachel Penney<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>

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