Over two years of lockdowns and COVID mandates are coming to an end, and Britons are eager to pack their bags and start traveling again. What better way to start the travel season than with a weekend getaway in the UK?
A staycation close to home can help you scratch that nagging travel itch while rediscovering some top destinations in the UK. Even better, 2022 has loads to offer domestic travelers, including music festivals, exhibitions, foodie events, and a once-in-a-lifetime Platinum Jubilee.
We’ll clue you into our top staycation UK ideas below!
1. Rock out and Camp out in the Southeast
You want to celebrate the end of COVID by being around people and seeing some live music… but you also want to get out of the house and breathe some fresh air. You can do both by attending one of the UK’s many camping-friendly music festivals, many of which are back for the first time in 2022 after two years off.
Events like the Isle of Wight Festival and Download Festival are both back in 2022, and both are camping-friendly. If you’re not a fan of large crowds, you can also camp at smaller fests like Camper Jam and Lakefest.
There is also a crop of new festivals popping up, including the Into the Wild festival in Buckinghamshire. You’ll see some of the UK’s best up-and-coming bands and DJs in the heart of the countryside, and it’s only a quick jaunt outside London.
For those afraid of roughing it, Into the Wild features luxury camping (known as glamping), so you can expect comfy beds and hot showers!
2. Visit London for a ‘Superbloom’
If you haven’t been to London in a minute, 2022 is the year to go. The Queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne with a Platinum Jubilee, and the city will be full of events for young and old visitors.
The must-see attraction is the ‘superbloom,’ a display of millions of flowers blooming simultaneously around the Tower of London. You can catch the bloom at its peak from July to September. London will also host a massive parade for the Queen’s birthday and even a Platinum pudding competition, so there will be plenty to see throughout the summer.
Even if you don’t make it to London, Jubilee events will be hosted around the UK, and everyone will enjoy a double bank holiday to mark the occasion—what time could be better for a staycation?
3. Seek the Sea(food) in a Seaside Village
The UK’s many seaside villages have a rich culture and history, but tourists only visit a few. There may be some beautiful fishing villages within a few hours’ drive of your home without you even knowing it.
Small inns, pubs, and fabulous seafood make these destinations wonderful escapes. Small villages are also often home to hidden museums and ancient buildings worth visiting. Not all the beaches are sandy, and not every day is sunny, but you can book an entire cottage by the sea for less than the price of a dinner in London. Who knows? You may find your new favorite weekend escape by the sea!
Our seaside staycation recommendation for 2022 is Whitstable. This village is very small, but it opens up to the world for the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, featuring fresh oysters (duh) and plenty more delicious treats from the sea. You can come early for the peace and quiet, and just when you’re ready for some excitement, the festival will bring loads of tourists, music, and food to the coast.
4. Pour a Pint at the UK’s Oldest Pub
For some of us, the best part of traveling is exploring pub culture (and having a few pints while we’re at it). At a time when many traditional pubs around the country are closing their doors, now is an opportune occasion to make a pilgrimage to the UK’s oldest pub, located in Holywell, Cambridgeshire.
The pub, aptly named The Old Ferryboat Inn, has been in operation and serving alcohol since before 560AD—but don’t worry, the beer is fresh! The pub sits along the Cam river and looks as if it was ripped right out of a storybook. You’re guaranteed some excellent photo ops, rain or shine.
You can also book a room at the inn, making your UK staycation all the easier. However, be warned of spectral intruders during your stay. The Old Ferryboat Inn, like all ancient UK pubs worth a visit, is haunted by a resident ghost. Whatever types of spirits you happen to enjoy, this pub has you covered.
For history buffs and beer lovers, staycationing doesn’t get better than this!
5. Island Hop in Scotland
For a staycation that will make you feel like you’re truly getting away from it all, escape to the Scottish Isles. Scotland has many islands to explore, but those most fitting for a weekend away are the Inner Hebrides, as they are (mostly) accessible by car and bike.
These isles are near the mainland and easy to hop around thanks to bridges and affordable ferries. It won’t be hard to find accommodation, restaurants and tourist activities there either.
While you’re island hopping, you’ll enjoy sprawling seascapes and rock formations, fresh fish, and of course, the world’s finest scotch to warm your bones.
Should I Stay or Should I Go
You don’t have to choose between staying home and going on holiday this year. You can enjoy a rewarding staycation in the UK without worrying about lingering COVID travel regulations or spending an arm and a leg on an international adventure.
The UK has so much to offer—this year more than ever. You may even find especially affordable rates at resorts and hotels as businesses try to reignite tourism. This is your opportunity to have that London city hop or Cornwall surfing getaway you’ve always dreamed of.
Explore what the UK has to offer travelers this year, and rediscover just how much there is to do at home!
