If flying away isn't in the budget this year (or if you simply fancy staying on home turf), a staycation is the perfect way to enjoy time away from work without the baggage allowance. From the shimmering shores of Cornwall to the towering peaks of the Lake District, there are plenty of hidden gems the British Isles have to offer - you just have to know where to look. Here's where to staycation in 2017 from those in the know...
A proper seaside break? Try... Aldeburgh, says Coast magazine
Image - Best of Suffolk
If candy coloured houses and a bandstand on the beach sound like your idea of heaven, then Coast magazine tips Aldeburgh as the old fashioned beach break you're looking for. Popular Southwold is half an hour north of this pretty Suffolk town filled with fine dining alongside fish 'n' chips, boutiques next to bobbing boats and plenty to do with the kids. If you're heading to the East coast for half term or over the summer holidays, give Aldeburgh a visit (and don't forget to check out Coast magazine's 24 activities in Aldeburgh - full of great local tips on the area)!
Image - Coast magazine
Off the beaten track? Try... Nothumberland, says Country Life magazine
We all know kids who could do with spending less time glued to a screen and more time exploring the great outdoors (and by kids, we mean big kids, too). If you want to explore a world beyond the clouds, you don't need a telescope - just head for a place with dark sky status. Rated for their lack of light pollution (often caused by nearby major cities), these are just the places to go for looking up and getting lost among the stars. We say pack up a sleeping bag and a thermos and look to the skies to spot stars, planets and constellations! We're big fans of the Sky Map app - perfect if you're wondering which star is which. Country Life magazine lists the UK's top 10 places to go stargazing with Nothumberland the owner of the darkest skies in the UK. Why not try a stay at this top 20 Airbnb rental, a historic English castle just by the North Pennines? It's perfectly placed for walking, exploring and stargazing between peaks!
Something totally different? Stay in a lighthouse, says Britain magazine
For stays with wow factor (if the latest boutique hotel is already booked up), how about staying in a lighthouse? The West Usk Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, between Newport and Cardiff in Wales is one of Britain magazine's quirkiest places to stay in the UK, amongst an old windmill, a house in the style of the Egyptian Revival, a 16th century home next to Edinburgh castle, an old railway station and a fortress! Perfect if you love to get off the beaten track, fancy a swap from the usual hotel stay or look for somewhere guaranteed to get you a stellar instagram snap. Well, who doesn't like to show off their latest destination?
Image - Britain magazine
Ready to explore the amazing places to stay on your doorstep or just a car ride away? Check out our great travel magazine subscriptions for inspiration at home and abroad!
