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5 Staycation Destinations for Summer 2020

By February 21st, 2024 No Comments
durdle-door

5 Staycation Destinations for this summer:

As the government unveils its new list of countries classed as ‘air corridors’ from which you will not have to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return, many are now thinking of sun and sand abroad. However, several obstacles remain for headache free international travel. While many countries on the list are not requiring travellers to self-quarantine upon arrival, Iceland for example is charging travellers to take a COVID-19 test before entry. Croatia is requiring proof of accommodation prior to admission, and several other countries have increased checks and requirements. Questions also remain regarding travel insurance, combined with the possibility that countries or regions could go into lockdown while tourists are still abroad.  The simple solution to this may simply be to stay at home, with great staycation destinations across the UK. Here are 5 to spark your imagination:

  1. Dorset: When a staycation is mentioned, Cornwall is undoubtedly near the top of everyone’s list, and is forecast to see a very busy summer. Nearby Dorset however may offer many of the same charms without the crowds and boasts the iconic Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door and Corfe Castle as well as fantastic beaches for wind and kite surfing. Dorset is a unique mix of natural beauty and the great shopping and dining amenities of Bournemouth. Dorset is also home to a host of historic and cultural sites, such as the dinosaur packed Dorset County Museum, the only fully reconstructed Roman town house, the abandoned Tyneham village, and the Bovington tank museum!
  2. North Wales: As of the 6th of July, Wales is now once again open to visitors! This will be music to the ears of many who have endured a long, cramped, and claustrophobic feeling lockdown. The craggy beauty of Snowdonia is once again open to be roamed, with time to stop at the Isle of Anglesey. You could also do much worse than staying in the famed seaside resort of Llandudno, which during lockdown became home to tourists of a different kind, or the Italian inspired Portmeirion. For history enthusiasts, North Wales is absolutely bursting with choice for castles to visit as Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris all stand within its borders.
  3. Yorkshire: From the historic city of York, to the beautiful countryside of the Peak District, Yorkshire is hard to beat in terms of what is on offer. Steeped in Viking and medieval history, as well as being the home of Brontë, there is plenty for culture vultures in Yorkshire. With museums now tentatively re-opening, a trip to the Royal Armouries or the Coal Mining museum could be on the cards.
  4. Norfolk: Norfolk is famous for its rolling flat fields and its winding riverways, with the Norfolk Broads stretching for 120 miles of navigable waters. Leisurely meandering past windmills and many historic country houses, Norfolk is perfect for a relaxing and recharging holiday. With its elegant cathedral, Norman castle, and numerous public gardens, Norwich also offers great sights when taking a break from traversing the gentle waters.
  5. The Lake District: No list would be complete without mentioning Cumbria’s Lake district, the stunning landscape that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Whether you are sailing on lake Windermere or chugging along on the heritage Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway, the views the Lake District offer simply can’t be beaten
  6. Belfast: Northern Ireland has just last week reopened for tourism, and while not traditionally on everyone’s list of top destinations, it has a lot to offer. Attractions include the architecturally impressive Belfast City Hall and Castle, and numerous sites relating to its long maritime history. These include the Titanic Belfast museum, documenting all things related to the ill-fated voyage and the much more seaworthy SS Nomadic and HMS Caroline floating museums, so for those with sea legs Belfast could be a treat.

Honourable mention, The Inner Hebrides: Scotland is expected to reopen its borders to tourism on July 15th. For those looking to be the first to take advantage of this, visiting the picturesque town of Oban before taking the ferry to the scenic Isle of Mull would be a great way to celebrate the end of lockdown.

With so many choices, the UK can stand toe to toe with destinations around the world, and with the uncertainty regarding international travel a summer staycation may surprise you. It is also not just tourists who are cheering the easing of lockdown measures; much of the UK’s economy is dependent on the tourism sector and has been badly hit by the Coronavirus. If you are a recently reopened hotel, attraction or other business accepting card payments, now is a great time to make savings. Take a look at our card payment and eCommerce options or get in touch.