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Best UK Staycations For 2025: From Sussex To Cornwall
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, here is a list of the best accommodation in the UK.
Travel might have had a topsy turvy ride over the last couple of years, but one thing's for sure, staycations are of upmost importance to holiday lovers looking to enjoy the best of what Britain has to offer.
According to Compare Travel Insurance, when asked about the type of trips Brits are planning to take in 2024, domestic holidays proved the most popular, with a third (33%) revealing they plan to forsake international travel and opt for a staycation instead.
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Of course, choosing a staycation in the UK is no small feat. After all, deciding on which holiday haven to stay in, from Devon and Cornwall, to Oxford and Edinburgh, is tricky business. There are plenty of tempting offers to make these decisions even harder when with some staycations in the UK offer spa treatments, fitness studios, cookery classes, outdoor baths and Michelin-star food.
Fear not though as we’ve done the hard work for you and whittled down our favourite UK staycations for all travellers. With many staycations just a drive away, we think 2024 is the best year to make a conscious effort to travel sustainably and celebrate all that the UK has to offer.
With that in mind, here is a list of the best UK staycations for 2024:
Swan Inn, Fittleworth, West Sussex
Escape the news cycle and head to West Sussex and check in at this beautifully restored 14th-century coaching inn. Just over an hour from London's Victoria this vibe-filled village pub (once drinking spot of artists such as J.M.W. Turner and John Constable), has been restored to house 12 beautiful ensuite rooms.
Each one complete with deliciously big beds, roll top baths and a wall paper selection so divine you'll be wishing you could peel it off and pack it in your suitcase.
Back downstairs, in the pub, be sure to dine out on all the comforts with roast chicken, cheesy gratins and profiteroles washed down with local beer and English Sparkling Wine on a menu that champions local producers.
And if you can bear to leave head to explore the art and sculpture collection at Petworth House and Gardens, a 17th-century mansion inspired by Versailles.
Homewood Hotel and Spa, Bath
There's a little bit of everything you could want from a staycation at Bath's Homewood Hotel and Spa. Activities range from outdoor pursuits to indulgent spa treatments. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, just outside Bath, Homewood is the perfect place to 'get away from it all'. Dedicated to sustainability, the no-dig kitchen garden, grounds and wider gardens are the perfect place to get closer to nature. When you're ready to go from grounding earth to water, head to the indoor hydrotherapy pool, heated outdoor pool, the steam and sauna in the most beautiful and luxe surroundings. Whether you're searching for a spa day or a mini-break, put Homewood at the top of your list.
Gaia, Widemouth Bay
It's official – we might have found the most perfect and relaxing staycation destination for a large group of friends or big family on the lookout for a beachside property in Cornwall. It’s a bold claim, granted, but once you drive into this Widemouth Bay-located sanctuary's gates, managed by Beach Retreats, you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
Located a short drive from Bude, the house – named Gaia – accommodates up to 10 adults, and is located right on the coast’s edge within a stone’s throw distance from the sand and sea. With an ultra-modern design from its exterior to interior, you’d be a fool for not taking advantage of Gaia's open plan living and kitchen space on your first night’s stay, and cooking up a feast for your guests. Soak up the views, thanks to the property’s outstanding full-width glass sliding doors, which provide an uninterrupted a panoramic view of the bay, and enjoy drinks on the roof terrace or balcony as the sun descends into the sea, before retiring into the cinema room for a group movie night.
The next day, we’d suggest heading into Bude and picking up pastries at the Electric Bakery Bude Ltd, before taking a dip in Bude Sea Pool – a semi-natural tidal pool which is perfect for wild swimming – or taking advantage of the crashing waves right in front of the house and enjoy a spot of surfing and body boarding.
Head back to the house for afternoon scones, clotted cream and jam, or make a visit to Pencarrow House & Gardens, the unique country home and grounds nearby. Alternatively, pop into the local pub, The Brendon Arms, for a late afternoon tipple before retiring to the house for a quick sauna and hot tub session ahead of supper.
Mornings are one of the best times to take full advantage of Gaia’s amenities, so booking a local yoga teacher to come over and taking a guided session in the downstairs yoga studio is a must, or simply enjoy a lie in in one of the five double bedrooms on site, open up the doors and hear the crashing waves of the sea just metres away.
One visit to Gaia and you'll never want to book anywhere else for a group holiday. You have been warned.
Todthatch, Cotswolds
If you’re on the search for a bolthole that’s located just over a 1.5 hour-train ride away from London in the heart of the Cotswold, let us introduce you to Todthatch through Sand & Stone Escapes. A three bedroom cottage in Todenham, the house is bursting with English charm (think original beams, a farmhouse kitchen equipped with an AGA cooker, soft furnishings, a fire and Cowshed products galore). The property also boasts a small garden with an outdoor dining area, which is perfect for evenings with a burning log fire outside and a board game.
If eating out is your thing, then there are plenty of restaurants and pubs to visit in the Gloucestershire countryside. Our top tip is lunching at The Horse and Groom, with its unexpected but beautiful outside seating area and impeccable food options, and the incredibly luxe Daylesford Organic (trying to avoid bankruptcy here is a real challenge). Better yet, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are but a short drive away, as is Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds distillery.
Nymetwood Treehouses, Devon
It’s a rare moment on stepping into a staycation rental that you instantly feel at home, but so calm, cosy and inviting is Nymetwood Treehouses that within minutes your shoes will be off, a bottle of bubbly will be opened, and you’ll have that unparalleled chance to just breathe.
A true gem located at the top of Dartmoor National Park, the Nymetwood Treehouses – of which there are two, Blackcap and Starling, which sleep two people – are set in 20 acres of woodland, and come complete with fire pits , wood burners, fully fitted kitchens, and so much more. Owners James and Cherie created the Scandi-inspired properties as a way of making a sustainable and luxurious getaway, working with local timber framers, contractors and suppliers and using locally sourced wood and low impact materials.
Start your morning off with a coffee and pancakes (made with local ingredients left in a wicker basket in the kitchen) from the comfort of your Super King Size Bed, overlooking the fields that stretch out far beyond your windows, before visiting local sites like Haytor, Castle Drogo, Wistman’s Woods or a further drive to the beaches at Saunton Sands and Croyde. On your return, get cosy in the outdoor copper rolltop bathtub (complete with Cowshed bath products) or your indoor rain shower, light the wood burner and cosy up on the sofa with a Netflix film.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall
Spending a night in a prison cell might not be on our bucketlist, but a staycation at The Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall most certainly is. Previously an 18th-century prison, the hotel has been transformed into a 70-room luxury hotel, with each bedroom made up of three former cells which have been renovated but still feature original cell doors and bars on the windows.
Forget prison food here, though, as guests can enjoy gourmet dining in The Chapel and take part in guided heritage tours of the jail and ghost walks. Nearby, there’s the Camel Trail (which takes you from Bodmin to Padstow), located just a minutes walking distance from the hotel, and the 650-acre Cardinham woodland, with ample opportunity to partake in an afternoon’s walking or cycling.
The Lime Tree Hotel, London
Lined stucco townhouses are synonymous with London so if you’re planning a staycation in the capital what better way to feel like you’re walking round a film set than staying in one of the iconic Georgian houses in Belgravia. Nestled amongst residential homes, the Lime Tree hotel is a short walking distance from Victoria station (15 minutes at most), but still feels like you’re tucked away in a quiet, friendly neighbourhood with the eateries and bars of Elizabeth Street in sight.
In keeping with its location’s warm and familiar feel, the decor of the Lime Tree creates a home away from home. Its aesthetic is cosy and comfortable allowing you to ease in to your new London life, even if you’re just staying for a couple of nights. The hotel’s pièce de résistance? Its cafe, The Buttery. Loved by and frequented by locals, it has all the things you would want from a London cafe. Think the best version of a Full English (the Buttery Breakfast) with layered roasts potatoes to die for, and Nutella French Toast with some added extras that will set you up for a day of sight seeing in the capital.
Whether you're using the hotel as your base while you explore the city, or you're spending the day in the sun in the courtyard, you'll really enjoy your stay.
Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
Located on a two mile surfing beach on the North Cornwall coast, this hotel is a true haven in Cornwall if you're on the search for a contemporary and cosy staycation, where the biggest stress you'll have is deciding whether to have a dip in the glass-fronted 25-metre swimming pool or icy sea just a hop, skip and a jump from your doorstep.
Whether you're a surfer or not, Watergate Bay Hotel is perfect for those who love to experience luxury at the coast. The hotel offers a Swim Club and the Extreme Academy for water lovers, but also Pilates for those who prefer a slower (and drier) pace of working out.
As for the interiors, the hotel's aesthetic is the Hamptons meets Mallorca, while its restaurant Zacry’s, led by head chef Neil Haydock, is a celebration of all things seasonal and bold British food. This summer, Cloudy Bay (the New Zealand winemaker) has partnered with the hotel for a Wonderscape campaign; a series of lunches with the aim to inspire and educate guests about entertaining.
Whether you're planning a three-night stay (imagine this hotel at New Year's!) or a week-long trip this summer, we suggest booking yourself into either a suite, beach loft, or village apartment if you're a fan of roll-top bathtubs, sea views and plush furnishings.
Winston at Unplugged, Mells
If you've always loved the sound of a digital detox but struggled to part with Whatsapp and Instagram for more than an hour, then Unplugged is here to save the day. All of Unplugged's cabins - of which there are 20 - are located in the countryside, just an hour or so from main cities and purposefully go without wifi. Better yet, each cabin provides guests with a box where you can padlock your phone away and use an old Nokia instead for emergencies. There's also an Instax camera to enable you to take snaps from your getaway, a compass and a local map of the area if you're keen on ditching your Google Maps addiction and opting for 'old school' navigation on a walk in the great outdoors.
The cabins can be booked for up to three nights, with Winston - a new cabin located just outside of Frome in Somserset - equipped with a gas hob, log burner, wood fired hot tub and solar powered appliances.
A short walk from Mells Cafe (opened in 2011 by Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry), Winston is prime for those who love to explore nature and are partial to strolling through the countryside and connecting with the flora and fauna. From the cabin, you can walk 1.5hrs to Frome and eat delicious cheese toasties and pastries at Rye Bakery, before hitting the charity shops, and returning for a pub dinner at the local village pub, The Talbot Inn, which might be the quaintest eatery we've ever had the pleasure of munching on a Caesar salad and chilled glass of rosé in a courtyard.
Head to Winston (or any of the other Unplugged locations) as a couple or solo, and you'll instantly feel recharged. Trust us.
The Gallivant, East Sussex
The Gallivant is the ultimate chic seaside resort for those looking to get some much needed sea air in their hair. Just an hour and half’s drive away from south London, and nestled behind the grassy dunes of Camber Sands, the Gallivant offers a seaside respite from the city. The location is a clear draw as aside from the beach, down the road is the historic town of Rye, Hastings’ slightly further beyond, and the eery yet stunning Dunegeness beach – and its must-visit seafood shack - are found a quick drive away too.
Everything is considered at the Gallivant, with the hotel fully catering to your every need. Among the many offerings are a ‘drinks in the Dune’s package’ –the chance to take pre-made cocktail over the road to the beach (and by the way, that’s not an exaggeration, the vast and scenic beautiful beaches are literally found over the road) at sunset - yoga classes are held each morning in the studio, the English sparkling wine list is extensive with the bar staff serving as experts too and the Beach Hut Cabin spa offers massage and facial treatments. The hotel is also dog friendly so expect lots of pooches living their best post-beach walk life in the cosy all-day restaurant while their owners enjoy some delicious margaritas.
There are nods to the Great British seaside throughout the décor with vintage swimsuits in picture frames in the main restaurants and spacious rooms painted in beach hut blues coastal hues. This extends to the restaurant too where newspaper-wrapped fish and chips is available to take-away, while dining-in guests can expect delicious dishes like skate wing in brown butter for a main course and Maldon oysters for appetisers. When can we go back?
Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
There’s nothing more telling of a hotel’s reputation than locals visiting for an overnight stay when they live mere minutes away, and this couldn’t be anymore true of Grantley Hall in Ripon, North Yorkshire. A home away from home for many, the Relais & Châteaux hotel is sat in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and houses four restaurants, a Three Graces Spa, and 47 suites with decor that harks back to it’s days as a private home.
Many of its guests are return visitors who love to celebrate special occasions divulging in their afternoon tea or dining out at Shaun Rankin’s Michelin Starred restaurant. We suggest making a weekend of it and staying overnight so you can experience one of their legendary suites, and enjoy breakfast at Fletcher’s. End your visit with a morning at the hotel’s indoor/outdoor spa. It will no doubt become a highlight of your stay.
Whilst Grantley Hall’s facilities are five star, it’s the service that makes the stay memorable and keep guests coming back. It’s obvious why out-of-towners travel hours to experience this Northern gem, and locals are proud to live on it’s doorstep.
The Granary Barn, South Downs
A short drive away from London and located a stone's throw away from the coast, lies a converted eco-barn that is a home away from home. With three bedrooms and bathrooms, an alfresco tub, and a private garden, The Granary Barn, South Downs provides the ultimate break if you're on the search for privacy, tranquility, and, most of all, space.
Inside, you’ll find all of the best amenities you could wish for (a bottle of English sparkling wine and kombucha will be cooling in the fridge, awaiting your arrival), while the house itself is decorated in a modern yet comfortable style, with Piglet linen bedding, a large bathtub for bubble baths, a wide wooden table for brunch, and the comfiest L-shaped sofa by Maker And Son we’ve ever had the pleasure to sink into. With large windows and a balcony overlooking the South Downs, sunset and sunrise has never looked so good.
The property is in walking distance to local pubs and shops, a 10-minute drive away from the town of Lewes (the best vintage and antique spot we’ve ever stumbled upon), a 25-min journey to the coastal town of Rottingdean, and leads directly onto the South Downs Way (perfect for a morning run along the hills).
Babington House, Somerset
Since its opening in 1998, Soho house’s Babington House has been a must-visit destination in the UK and for many return visitors, a home away from home. Located a short drive outside of Bath, its classic meets contemporary decor and vast grounds couldn’t be a better setting for a few days of R&R. Spend your time swimming in the outdoor or indoor pool, having treatments in their Cowshed spa, playing tennis or reading in one of the many nooks hidden around the house. We recommend eating from The Orangery’s farm-to-fork menu - many of the ingredients are grown on site in Babington’s Walled Garden.
Cabü By The Sea, Kent
A hop skip and a jump from the desolate beauty of Dungeness sits a luxury collection of cabins to while away your Great British summertime in.
Perfect for families, the enclosed site of Cabü by the sea includes a shop, pizza oven, barbecue and pool for all to use, and, if that isn't enough, it's a stone's throw away from the sea - perfect for evening bike rides.
Inside your own cabin, complete with King-sized beds, fully-equipped kitchens and plush interiors, spend your evening snuggled up by the wood-burning stove in winter, and your glass doors flung open in the warmer months as you watch the coastal sunset.
The Tawny Hotel
If there’s one thing you remember from your reading today, it’s that you can’t plan a UK staycation without a serious consideration of The Tawny Hotel. Opened in 2021, the Tawny is the definition of hotel perfection, in our opinion, with a vast range of accommodation, activities, and grounds to explore on offer. Moreover, what makes The Tawny so special is its staff, who are friendly and incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.
Located in rural Staffordshire, the Tawny is hidden among 70 acres of woodland and includes a range of suites to book, (think Valley Treehouses, Boathouses, and Wildwood Huts), all equipped with private outdoor spa baths and showers, private decks, a complimentary mini bar outdoor tubs, with some dog friendly so your pooch can join you on your break away.
Start your day with breakfast at The Plumicorn (The Tawny’s on-site restaurant, which overlooks the grounds thanks to its vast windows), which uses seasonal produce and impeccable service to delight guests (we recommend the pancakes with yoghurt and berries, or Eggs Benedict, followed by a selection of pastries). Proceed to walk the Folly Trail, book a spa treatment, a private yoga session, go forest bathing, take a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool, or visit the local market town of Leek on a Saturday and peruse its market stalls. Return to The Tawny for a picnic in the afternoon, which is made of homemade sandwiches, brownies, and more, accompanied with a bottle of bubbly and glasses for two. Staff will drop your picnic hamper off at your accommodation before taking you in a buggy to your destination of choice in the grounds to tuck in. After an afternoon’s slumber on your deck or a dip in your outdoor tub, we suggest booking a table at The Plumicorn for a selection of delicious food, whether it be pigeon and salmon, or chicken and pork, finished with a bowl of sticky toffee pudding.
Tillingham, East Sussex
Staying at Tillingham for a night is an experience nothing short of heavenly.
Situated in a 70-acre site, a cluster of restored barns house a low-intervention winery, bar, restaurant, and collection of artfully-designed bedrooms. Surrounded by more than 40,000 vines, you'd be forgiven for thinking your were in Provence on a sunny day, but the delightfully young and fresh English champagnes and wines could only be made right there.
A short taxi ride from Rye, many visit Tillingham for a day trip, but after taking a wine tour, and enjoying the farm-to-table set menu (complete with wine flight) from former SILO chef Brendan Eades, we'd recommend taking to the on-site rooms for a bath complete with views of the neat rows of vines. Plus, the serve-yourself breakfast of boiled eggs, cured meats and homemade granola is worth staying for.
From the beautiful and rustic Oast house to the knowledgable and sunny staff, we couldn't recommend Tillingham enough.
Kin House, Wiltshire
Kin House is quickly becoming one of our must-visit destinations in the UK for a short getaway. The property is a restored Georgian Manor, located in Wiltshire, and is the perfect place for a staycation, as well as a private party (it can host between 20 and 200 guests), retreat or wedding. The exclusive-use house itself features 12 cosy bedrooms, featuring plush cotton robes, rainforest showers (some come with freestanding bathtubs big enough for two!) and 'help yourself' mini bars. During your stay you can enjoy film nights, yoga, massages, croquet games, and wild cooking workshops, and even book to eat al fresco, while chefs cook your grub on an open fire in a private woodland.
Coworth Park, Ascot
Forget shepherd's huts, glamping and boutique B&Bs for a minute here.... If you are looking for a staycation that is truly, genuinely exceptional, you should consider a long weekend at Coworth Park.
Five stars and part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park is pretty much fit for a Princess. Indeed, location-wise, it's opposite Windsor Castle, so there's every reason to feel like a Queen while within the grounds. And if that hasn't convinced us, the specialist valet parking outside the hotel's front doors, stacked with Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and the odd Porsche, will probably tip you over the edge.
Nestled like a diamond, set within 240 acres of luscious Bershire parkland, the hotel is set up to furnish your stay with enough outdoor pursuits to convince you that you're much more than 45 mins drive from London. The stables full of horses are managed by Huards Polo Club, the hotel offers bikes for all ages and there's a beautiful lake-like pond surrounded by trees for any budding ornithologists.
For foodies, the options are well-rounded, with a Spatisserie for elegant eats in the Spa area, the cosy but gourmet Barn serving heartier fare and for the fanciest of guests, the Restaurant Coworth park has a Michelin star.
Spinks Nest, Norfolk
If you’re in need of some R&R, then a staycation at Spinks Nest is a must. Located in the north of Norfolk, this former gardener’s cottage – which dates back to the 18th Century – has received a stunning renovation, mixing vintage and reclaimed materials to create an interiors haven that’s as cosy as it is luxurious and charming, and inspired by a British-cum-Japanese aesthetic to die for. Our favourite parts? The Instagrammable sunken micro-cement bath, Victorian loo and plush leather-upholstered armchairs – perfect for sinking into after opening a bottle or Merlot at candlelight. The cottage sleeps two adults (with room for a travel cot) and is dog-friendly.
Down the road you’ll find the local pub - The Hunworth Bell – and a short drive away you’ll be treated to the quaint town of Holt, Siding Bakery (we suggest you book for lunch), and fish and chips at Cromer. Trust us, once you've had a weekend at Spinks Nest, you'll never look back.
The Grove
We love/hate to break it to you, but we’ve officially discovered one of the best kept secrets Hertfordshire has to offer when it comes to luxury staycations in the UK. So good is The Grove, located just 18 miles from central London, sprawling a staggering 300 acres, and member of The Leading Hotels of The World, that we are begrudgingly sharing this news with you (if only we could keep it to ourselves!).
The five-star hotel is the former home of the Earls of Clarendon (it was once a weekend staycation for Queen Victoria) and features a Walled Garden, complete with a kitchen garden serving hot BBQ dishes in the summer, Ralph's beach (which has its very own outdoor swimming pool and beach hut), Jemima’s Kitchen Garden (home to the hotel’s home-grown herbs and fauna), and an outdoor cinema, showing everything from Matilda: The Musical in the afternoons for the kids, and Crazy Rich Asians in the evenings for the adults.
On arrival, we suggest walking around the luscious green grounds or, better yet, hiring bikes and making your way through Asher's Woodland Trails, before heading to the Sequoia spa for a dip in the indoor pool, a sunbathe in the garden, or a relaxing Bamford Facial. Once you get ready in one of the hotel’s 215 rooms (or 12 suites, depending on your budget), make your way down to The Glasshouse Restaurant, and tuck into some of the best buffet dining you’ll ever have tried, whether you can’t get enough of sushi and Indian cuisine, or fancy having a pasta dish made with ingredients exactly to your liking. Once you’ve filled your stomach at the dessert station (it’d be rude not to, right?) retire to your room and order yourself some in-room Hackney Gelato, and tuck into the mini bar before settling in for a night with Netflix. This is British luxury at its finest.
Once stay at The Grove and you’ll be itching to return. We’ll see you at 'the beach'…
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
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