No early morning drives to the airport, no long queues for check-in, and no delays! Even without COVID, it isn’t hard to understand why staycations are so popular.
But they’re getting booked up fast this year, so we’ve done some of the legwork for you. All listings below had availability at the time of writing.
Family-friendly staycations
1. A charming yurt stay - with alpacas!
Spend your staycation in a yurt and walk with alpacas in the Worcestershire countryside. Located on the grounds of what used to be the Cadbury family’s holiday manor house, the yurts are surrounded by greenery, perfect for playing football or family bowls. During the day you could head into Birmingham to visit Cadbury World and in the evening, you can toast marshmallows on the BBQ.
A five-night stay in August costs £559. A one hour walk with Alpacas is included for stays over three nights.
2. Parkdean Resorts
If you prefer to stay near the beach, Parkdean Resorts in Cornwall have availability in August. St. Minver Holiday Park is close to the beach but set in woodland, so you’re always surrounded by nature. Kids will enjoy the indoor pool, nature trail, and picnic area. There’s lots of entertainment for the whole family, and attractions in the local area include kayaking and an owl sanctuary.
A week here from 20th August is £1,329.
Pet-friendly staycations
3. A cottage in the Peak District
One pet can stay free in this tastefully furnished cottage near the Peak District. It’s ideal for exploring the beautiful surroundings, and up to four people can stay here. There is something for all the family in the local area - countryside walks, indoor bowling, a swimming pool, and a nearby pub and restaurant. You could also visit Chatsworth House - it’s just over half an hour away in the car.
One week in the middle of August for four people and a pet will cost £639.
4. Caravan on the Scottish coast
Wake up to views of the Scottish coast in a caravan near Montrose, on this dog-friendly holiday site. There are plenty of walks nearby and an OS map is provided to help you plan your excursions. If you like to walk by the sea there’s a pebble beach within walking distance and three miles of sand at St. Cyrus beach which is a short drive away. You’ll find free parking here and a private garden.
The caravan sleeps up to six people and a week here from 31st August will cost £335 (non-refundable) or £372 (refundable).
Solo staycations
5. A charming stay for one in Yorkshire
Taking some time for yourself? A charming stay in the aptly named, The Little House, is perfectly suited for one person, although you can take a dog with you if you fancy a little company! This lovingly converted shed has a heated floor, a raised bedding area (accessed by a ladder), and is oozing with charm. The location is great for exploring the Yorkshire Dales on foot, and the town of Settle is within walking distance.
Stay here for three nights from 20th August for £263 or one week from 29th August for £512.
6. Walk the famous West Bay beach
Visit the Jurassic Coastline with a stay in Bridport. Highly rated for solo travellers, this self-contained apartment has a private bathroom and kitchen facilities. It’s perfectly located to explore the local town that has a street market twice a week. The nearest beach is two miles away in West Bay, a fishing village. The area has been a popular location for TV and film and the cliffs there are featured on the TV show Broadchurch.
A six-night stay from 14th August will cost £448.
Couples' staycations
7. Eat, drink and soak up the scenes of Bath
Couples looking for a getaway will get the best of both worlds in The Bothy - a one-bedroom holiday property. Enjoy the private patio, eat and drink in one of the nearby pubs, and take in the sights of the Roman City of Bath, just fifteen minutes drive away. Couples can enjoy Bath Thermae Spa - the only natural thermal spa in Britain.
One week in The Bothy will cost £573 plus a security deposit of £100.
8. Explore the Forest of Dean
Head to the Forest of Dean where a relaxing rural getaway awaits you at Brookview Lodge. Relax in the warm waters of the private hot tub, or if feeling more adventurous head out to try local activities such as kayaking, abseiling, and caving. There are plenty of walks to enjoy and the nearest pub is just over one mile away.
A week here from 20th August will cost £1257, plus a security deposit of £100.
Large group staycations
9. Relax in style in a charming barn conversion
Up to ten people can stay in this beautifully converted barn in Wymondham, Norfolk. When you’re not out exploring the countryside, you can relax in the cinema room or enjoy a drink in the hot tub. This isn’t a place for party people, but if you’re looking for a chilled get together with family or friends then this could be the place for you.
The barn currently has availability from 30th August. One week for ten people costs £4,730.
10. Explore everything Dorset has to offer
Hillcroft is a large, detached property with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It sleeps up to ten people, and pets can go too. Located near Wimborne in Dorset, you won’t run out of things to do. Swim at the famous Durdle Door, indulge in some retail therapy or take in nature on one of the many walking trails.
A week here from 28th August will cost £2828 for ten people.
Thinking of exploring further afield? Check out some of the best travel deal sites for 2021.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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