Five great summer staycation ideas

If you are not a fan of busy airports or bumpy ferry crossings, then a UK staycation might be just what you need this summer.

Whether you choose to road-trip in your own vehicle or take advantage of the vast array of train stations around the UK and travel by train, there are literally thousands of reasons to stay on home soil this July and August.

Here are five great ideas to get you started…

Go biking in the Lake District

If you are a keen cyclist, then you will literally be spoilt for choice if you choose a stay in the Lake District.

There are a range of cycle paths, bridleways and country roads, suitable for all experience levels, as well as some rigorous cross-country routes for seasoned mountain bikers -  Whinlatter and Grizedale Forest are two of the most popular.

From laidback Coniston to the beautiful town of Windermere, there are many camping, glamping or hotel options available in the area to relax at after a busy day on your bike.

Go glamping in The Cotswolds

Pack your wellies and a blanket and look forward to a rural adventure in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

The Cotswolds is home to some stunning countryside, picturesque villages and an abundance of wildlife, and you can experience it all from one of the many glamping sites located in and around this area.

From mega glamping pods with fantastic amenities to secluded yurts or lodges nestled in remote woodland areas, there is something for everyone. Going glamping doesn’t mean you can’t do luxury at the same time!

Go wine tasting in Kent

Wine lovers will already know that English wine has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years and is rising in popularity in notable bars and restaurants around the UK.

Because of its chalky soils and temperate climate, Kent has become a very important region for British wine making, and especially sparkling wine. The county has over 50 vineyards, many of which offer tours and experiences for enthusiasts to discover.

Chapel Down, Biddenden and Gusbourne Estate are just three of many beautiful vineyard estates you can visit, so why not plan a trip to taste some of their latest reserves?

Go by the sea in Whitby

Resting along the North Yorkshire coast, Whitby is a charming fishing town with oodles of charm and is perfect for a family vacay.

Children will love the Captain Cook Experience – sailing around the harbour in an authentic replica of the HMS endeavor – followed by a paddle in the sea with their bucket and spades and a few games on the penny slot machines to finish off.

No visit to Whitby is complete without a portion of fish and chips from The Magpie – Whitby’s most famous chippie. Whether you choose to eat inside the seaside café or get a take-out to enjoy on the sand, you are sure to be impressed by the freshness of the fish, caught straight from the sea that day. Just beware of the hungry seagulls lurking above if you choose to eat yours outdoors!

Go exploring in Orkney

Steeped in history, magic and adventure, Orkney is a collection of islands a few short miles from Scotland’s north coast.

Famous for the spectacular coastal views and dreamy beaches, Orkney also has many tales to tell of Viking quests and wrecks of warships that have washed up onto the shores.

Explorers can visit the Stormness Museum to discover interesting facts about German fleets sunk in the area after World War 1 and see displays of finds from the excavations at the Ness of Brodgar. They can also visit the Tomb of the Eagles, an earie, yet fantastical site, which is home to a 5000-year-old Neolithic tomb and the findings of a Bronze Age building with firepit, well and seating area.