Staycations in the U.K. have grown ever more popular recently and for good reasons. With the potential uncertainties and rigmarole of travel abroad, a holiday close to home reassures you with the prospect of no flying and shorter travel times, familiar food and that traditional holiday feeling. The U.K. boasts many fantastic beaches that seem to stretch on for miles, verdant countryside full of National Parks, forests and green spaces waiting to be explored, and fascinating cities abounding in colourful culture and long heritage. A U.K. staycation is a holiday trend which has brought with it stylish and comfortable accommodation to suit all budgets, plenty of exciting visitor attractions and activities to keep everyone occupied, and a variety of foodie experiences to suit all tastes, even if you’re self-catering. Charitable Travel can assist you in selecting the most attractive U.K. destinations, and has the latest insider knowledge of their best accommodation and activities. So whether you’re booking a long weekend break or a week’s getaway we’ve got it covered.

So which U.K. destinations are Charitable Travel’s top picks for a great staycation? In England, we’d always start with London, the capital city, with its world-renowned institutions and events ranging from Westminster to Wimbledon and from Big Ben to the British Museum. For a long break away from the capital, we’d recommend the quintessentially British cities of Oxford, Cambridge, York or Bath, but not forgetting to include visiting the great prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, revelling in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, exploring Cornwall’s rugged coastline of bays and cliffs dotted with picturesque harbours and fishing villages, and taking in the magnificence of York, Durham and Lincoln’s Gothic cathedrals. In Wales, we’d head straight to the Snowdonia National Park to hike or take the steam train up to the summit cafe on Snowdon’s peak at 1085m. Following the beautiful coastline around brings you to the impressive castles of Conway, Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris as well as to the whimsical Italian style village at Portmeirion. In South Wales we’d suggest making Cardiff or Swansea as your staycation base to explore the industrial heritage of its valleys as well as the rugged hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Finally north to Scotland, where the panoramic view of the Firth of Forth from the top of Edinburgh’s castle is a sight not to be forgotten. Then venture further into the Scottish Highlands for its beautiful landscapes of lochs and craggy peaks, sample a wee dram at one of the fine malt whisky distilleries, or even catch a ferry over to the achingly beautiful Western Isles and the remote beaches of the Outer Hebrides.

One of the great attractions of a staycation is that you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the activities or interests you love but in a brand new setting. So if, for example, you’re a golf fan, Charitable Travel can arrange accommodation near to the classic courses of St. Andrews, Royal County Down or Sunningdale Old. Perhaps walking or cycling is more your thing – we have a full range of themed holidays for your staycation taking in the best of British cycling or walking routes. And if you’d prefer someone else to do the driving then how about a rail themed staycation or even an escorted tour through the British Isles? Whichever is your choice, Charitable Travel will have a staycation idea to suit, and don’t forget that we can arrange a whole variety of accommodation types ranging from homely Bed and Breakfasts to luxury stays in a castle. So go ahead and let Charitable Travel arrange your perfect staycation in the knowledge that you’re helping your preferred charity with your stay.