Ways to Wear

UK Staycation? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Camilla Mount

You don’t need to jet off to get that ‘holiday feeling’. A staycation in the UK is a great way to take a little break from your day-to-day life and I think we could all do with a little escapism from this year. From beautiful coastal towns to quaint countryside villages, there are so many hidden gems to discover right here in the UK.

From a cabin in the woods to luxury spas, geo domes, private hot-tubs, yurts, lakeside cottages and eventreehouses, you name it, the UK has it. There are so many different types of experiences you can have and there’s no better time to explore closer to home then now. Not only will you save on travel time (those dreaded long-haul flights) but on spending as well (think luggage allowance, overpriced meals and souvenirs).

​​​​​​​But a good staycation needs a plan. What to see, what to do and, most importantly, where to eat (well, in my books anyway). Here are my tips for getting the most out of a staycation in the UK.

Different Types of UK Staycations

Not sure how to start planning your staycation? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. First things first, you’ll need to decide what sort of staycation you’re looking for. Are you looking for a city break, the countryside or perhaps a winter seaside escape? Or maybe you’re looking to spoil yourself to an indulgent spa getaway? After all, we can all agree 2020 has been a crazy one.
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Below are some ideas to get you started…

1. Camping
2.  Glamping
3.  Spa retreat
4.  Caravan adventure
5.  City break (London, Cambridge, York, Bath, Edinburgh)
6.  Seaside escape (Cornwall, Whitstable, Norfolk)
​​​​​​​7.  Countryside getaway (The Cotswolds, Suffolk, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District)

Planning Your Staycation

Now that you've chosen the type of staycation you’d like to go on, next it’s time to plan it. This part can sometimes be a little overwhelming, so I’ve listed 11 vital steps to ensure you have the best staycation ever.

1. Create a staycation budget - make sure to account for all meals (set a little extra aside for snacks) and any entry fees for sights, like museums and parks.
2. Search for accommodation with extras - use comparison sites and always check the hotel website for any special deals or perks not listed on websites like booking.com. Sometimes it works out cheaper when booking direct.
3. Find somewhere unique to stay on by using websites like canopyandstars.co.uk which have a collection of one-of-a-kind places to go glamping in the UK.
4. Book a restaurant for a cuisine you don’t usually have or can’t make for yourself at home. I recently tried Nepalese food at Yak Yeti Yak in Bath and would highly recommend it.
5. Check opening times for attractions - there have been many times before that I’d arrive at a destination only to find out it’s not open that day.
6. Pack snacks for the car journey. There’s nothing worse than a hangry partner or family member. You may find yourself on the motorway for hours without any decent food places to stop at.
7. If you can, travel during off-peak times to avoid crowded places.
8. Book in advance for popular restaurants and local hotspots to avoid disappointment or queues.
9. Switch off! Avoid checking work emails, messages and Instagram and just enjoy the moment. But, of course, take loads of snaps for memories.
10. Try something new - whether it’s a fun activity or local delicacies.
​​​​​​​11. Plan what to pack - Bring outfits that you can wear from day to night. Not only does this help to eliminate overpacking and bringing unnecessary items, you’ll also have extra space for any shopping you might do.

Packing Musts for an Autumn Trip

Your staycation is booked, you’ve taken leave from work and the car is loaded with snacks. All that’s left is to pack a bag, which can sometimes be the hardest part 😉. Don’t be caught out in unpredictable weather or last-minute dinner reservations, these are my top essentials you’ll need for your staycation to guarantee you look (and feel) your best while you’re away.
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1. A classic pair of white trainers that go with any outfit and are comfy for walking around in all day.
2.  A cute pair of boots to dress up an outfit for dinner
3.  A great pair of jeans that can be worn with a bunch of different tops
4.  A jumper you can layer when the weather is unpredictable
5.  A warm coat for when it gets cold at night
6.  A neutral-coloured cross-body bag that can be used both in the day and at night for hands free shopping and exploring
​​​​​​​7.  An umbrella or raincoat - because we all know what the weather is like in the UK.

Guest editorial by @camillamount