With lockdown restrictions lifting and the threat of COVID-19 declining, many travellers across England are starting to think about and plan holidays and staycations. Only essential overseas travel is advised for Brits, and cross-border travel is still advised against in Wales and Scotland, so we recommend adhering to this and choosing a staycation until the government advice changes.
Thankfully there are so many beautiful places within England that you’re quite literally spoilt for choice as to where to go! From city breaks to beach breaks, hiking holidays, cycling holidays, and everything inbetween – we’ve got you covered.
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
Bath has to be the ultimate UK city break outside of London. The city is architecturally beautiful, there’s plenty of touristy things to see and do, lots of countryside surrounding the city, and the cafes and restaurants are exceptionally good. The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay, with sumptuous historical rooms and suites, a top restaurant, and a luxurious spa complete with swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna, and beauty services including massages.
Further reading: Two day guide to Bath
Merry Harriers Shepherd’s Huts, Surrey
Last year one of our travel writers, Sophie, visited the Merry Harriers Shepherd’s Huts in Surrey and fell in love with their Llama trekking experience. Stay at the dog-friendly Merry Harriers in the village of Little Hambledon and enjoy a large comfortable bed inside one of their luxurious Shepherd’s Huts, a roaring open fire in the inn across the road, and a scenic walk through the local countryside with their very own llama herd!
Further reading: Merry Harriers review
Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton
Open for both Soho House members and the general public, Soho Farmhouse is a country retreat in Oxfordshire neighbouring the Cotswolds villages of Chipping Norton and Great Tew. Set within 100 acres, the farm includes an indoor-outdoor pool on the lake, the Electric Barn Cinema, the Farmhouse Parlour with Cowshed toiletries, as well as top quality food from the onsite eateries and numerous chill-out areas and a games room. Stay the night in a lakeside cabin, the original Cotswold-stone Farm House, the four-bedroom Farm Cottage, or a Piglet.
Hoppers Barn at Dunsdon Farm, North Devon
If you’re not quite comfortable staying in a hotel yet or you’re a group of people and would like your own space, book in at dog-friendly Hoppers Barn in North Devon. Located on an old Victorian non-working farm on the border of Devon and Cornwall, Hoppers Barn is a luxurious self-catered converted shippon that sleeps six with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms, a log burner, its own private garden, and access to the farm’s 20 acres of private woodland and meadows where you can say hello to the grazing cattle.
Visit Dunsdon Nature Reserve across the road, or head down to the beach which is a short 15-minute drive away. The farm is also perfect for cycling holidays as it’s right by the Tarka Trail, Ruby Trail, and Camel Trial. This is as rural as you can possibly get, and perfect for those needing to get away from it all.
Burley Manor, New Forest
Burley Manor is located within the New Forest National Park and looks like a picture postcard. Deer graze on the patch of open grassland immediately in front of the house, and although a manor house has been on this location for hundreds of years, the latest manor house is from the Victorian era.
Dog-friendly and famous for its restaurant, Burley Manor is ideal for foodies looking for a relaxed break from lockdown life. Enjoy walking and horse riding in the local area, or if you’re feeling in need of some proper R&R book into the Temple Spa for a massage.
Further reading: Burley Manor New Forest review
Wisteria Cottage, Peak District
Another self-catered cottage on our list, Wisteria Cottage in the Peak District is dog-friendly and ideally situated for countryside hikes. Its village location also means a pub drink is just a short walk across the road!
Featuring a stone fireplace in the living room and its own private garden, the cottage is luxuriously decorated with contemporary but cosy decor and sleeps four with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. If you’re all hiked out there are plenty of country houses in the surrounding area, as well as the Alton Towers theme park if you have children or adrenaline junkies.
The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall
Billed as a magical escape for adults on the North Cornish coast, The Scarlet Hotel is a luxury dog-friendly eco hotel that sits on a cliff overlooking the beach. Imagine views of cliff, sea and sky at every moment, and airy spaces designed to connect you to the outdoors. Find your space to unwind, from meadow gardens to cliff top hot tubs, an Ayurvedic inspired spa, relaxation lounges, fireside or poolside. Treat yourself to afternoon tea or make a booking for the restaurant which serves fresh, locally sourced food. When you’re not exploring the local Cornish beaches, make a visit to the nearby Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan, which are both a short drive away.
The Welcombe, Stratford-Upon-Avon
If you’re in need of some old school luxury, The Welcombe is an opulent 19th century country mansion providing an idyllic weekend retreat in the heart of Warwickshire and ‘Shakespeare Country’. Our writer, Jenna, visited last year and loved the Caroline Suite which featured a four poster bed, its own fireplace and spectacularly high ceilings. With ample spa facilities and a fantastic restaurant you could easily spend the whole weekend at The Welcombe, but if you’re looking for a bit of action and things to do, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle are both a short drive away.
Further reading: The Welcombe Hotel review
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Lake District
The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in the Lake District has been on my radar for a few years now. Nestled in the Windermere area the hotel is serviced with Relais & Châteaux trained staff and Michelin starred chefs, Gilpin is a beautiful sanctuary within one of the greatest National Parks and surrounded by stunning woodland in the heart of a 100 acre Lake District estate. Gilpin Lake House is quiet, untouched, and devoid of traffic or people – a place to forget about everything. It includes a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna, the ‘Jetty Spa’ treatment room raised 3 metres into the tree canopy with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Elsewhere in the grounds you will find kitchen gardens, a boat house, an outdoor sauna, and the lake which has two rowing boats.
No matter where you choose to staycation this year, it’s sure to be a memorable holiday and we hope this list has been helpful in providing something for everyone.
Catherine Lux is a food and travel contributor at AGLAIA, and a luxury lifestyle blogger documenting her life on her blog, Lux Life London. With Lux Life London having a large focus on travel and food, she loves nothing more than long-haul flights, excellent restaurants, and relaxing with friends in the coolest places in town.
