The best post-lockdown staycation locations in the UK
11th August 2020
As the coronavirus restrictions have started to lift and travel has become a little more of a normality, many of us are taking the warm summer weather as an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the United Kingdom and some of the stunning locations that it has to offer once again. From one end of the country to another, the UK has some worldly destinations in its midst, from moorland expanses to stunning coastlines, but how do you know which one to choose?
This article offers an insight into some of the best locations for a post-lockdown staycation in the UK, perfect for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users, with suggestions and recommendations from bloggers and travel lovers.
We asked Jessica from Journeys With Jessica, about what locations she would recommend for a UK staycation: “Norfolk, Dorset and Devon are fantastic places for UK staycations this year, with all three destinations offering plenty of fun for all ages.”
Norfolk
Norfolk is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful coastlines, stunning walks and quaint villages dotted between stunning countryside. The county is home to some of the best attractions, including castles, Roman ruins and cliff expanses, perfect for a weekend getaway with loved ones.
“Norfolk oozes charm and history, with magnificent castles and ancient ruins dating back to the Roman times. Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea are perfect for an easy seaside break if you can't walk too far, whilst nearby Stiffkey boasts striking salt marshes” says Jess.
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is a resort town on the east coast of Norfolk, presenting some of the best beaches in the county. Known for its golden mile, the location is full of fun things to do and popular attractions, including museums, aquariums and stunning restaurants.
Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Parks is the perfect escape from the bustle of the centre and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With the backdrop of the stunning 17th-century country house and the formal gardens to explore, it’s the perfect way to see a new side to the county.
Norwich
The Medieval town of Norwich is one of the bigger cities in Norfolk and is known for its ornate cathedral and stunning castle and museum. The city itself boasts all the usual attractions, with idyllic bridges, cobbled roads and historic streets.
Norwich Cathedral stands pretty just northeast of the city centre and dates back to 1096 when construction of the magnificent building began. Visitors from across the globe travel to see the magnificent cloisters and the large spire that dramatize the landscape.
Devon
When you think of UK getaways, Devon is probably always mentioned and for good reason. The only county in the UK that covers two separate coastlines and is home to two national parks, there truly is no other location like it. From unique villages and awe-inspiring coastal views, if you’re planning a getaway, add Devon to your list.
Jessica loves Devon and would always recommend it for those looking for an accessible county: “If you're looking to explore some national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor in Devon are a great choice. With a range of walks to suit all mobilities, from short circular rambles to long mountain hikes, Devon is a popular choice with people of all ages and abilities looking for a wonderful UK break.”
Woolacombe
Sitting right at the top of North Devon, Woolacombe is home to the 13th best beach in the world, beating the likes of Costa Rica and Florida. The seaside location attracts visitors all year round with its 5-mile long beach that offers some of the best surf in the UK.
The town centre offers flat paths, perfect for those with limited mobilities and plenty of stunning eateries to keep the whole family fed. For those who love exploring and don’t mind a few hills, the walks along the North Devon coast path offer views unlike any other.
Salcombe
On the opposite coast to Woolacombe, Salcombe sits in the South Hams district of Devon and lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is the perfect location to enjoy some watersports, whether that is kayaking, sailing or canoeing and these can be organised before your visit.
Walks are available in abundance, whether that is along the coast or down the stunning harbour and it offers views across the whole of the Kingsbridge Estuary.
Clovelly
One of the most unique villages in Devon and sitting pretty on the north coast, Clovelly is a location unlike any other. Completely free of cars, the village runs down a windy, steep, cobbled street down to the stunning harbour and pub at the bottom. A population of 443 call the village home and follow the traditions passed down from generations from hundreds of years ago.
For those who find steep hills and uneven surfaces a struggle, a Land Rover service from the car park can be organised to transport you to the bottom easily and quickly.
Dorset
Dorset is a county with plenty to offer, sitting on the south coast, it has an award-winning coastline that thousands of people flock to every year to visit its popular towns such as Poole and Bournemouth. It’s also famously known for being home to the Jurassic Coast with some of the most picturesque coastlines in the country.
Jess also recommends Dorset as a lovely staycation location: “If fossils and beaches are more your thing, head over to Dorset to discover its stunning Jurassic Coast. Weymouth and Bournemouth boast enormous stretches of sand which are easily accessible for all, whilst Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are a little more challenging to get to.”
Bournemouth
A popular seaside location that has a lot to offer, Bournemouth is home to one of the UK’s best beaches and 15 miles of idyllic coastline. There is so much to do in the city from the Bournemouth Aquarium to Swanage Railway.
Swanage Railway is an award-winning preserve steam railway that offers journeys across Bournemouth and into the neighbouring countryside, the perfect activity for a staycation in Dorset.
Poole
A coastal town in Dorset known for its large harbour and quaint Georgian houses, Poole has plenty to offer, especially those who love a little history. The Georgian architecture is still visible and reflects the opulence of the Georgian era in the town. A walk through the town will lead you to the stunning Brown Sea Castle which is now used as an opulent hotel.
Corfe Castle
Thousands of years old and ruined by warfare, Corfe Castle is an icon of the Dorset countryside and for good reason. Playing host to many families over the years including royalty, the castle was once a Saxon stronghold, a Norman fortress and a royal palace. Visit today with your National Trust membership or pay at the reception.
Scotland
For those who may want to travel a little further, you can’t get more magical than Scotland and the mystery and magic that comes with the stunning scenery and ancient towns and cities. Although when you think of Scotland you may initially think of hills and mountains, there are some great accessible locations that are perfect for a staycation.
Dundee
Dundee sits on the east coast of Scotland and sits on the edge of the River Tay. Water and the estuary have played a big part in the history of the city with museums dotted around the city offering a glimpse into its rich past.
“From the modern, ship-like buildings of Dundee to the colourful shoreline cottages of east Scotland and the green Angus countryside; this vibrant pocket of Scotland is perfect for an accessible road trip or spectacular railway journey,” says Euan’s Guide.
Edinburgh
One of the most famous cities in Scotland, Edinburgh is known for its famous Christmas markets, vibrant culture and the historic castle perched on the cliff edge, but it is also a very accessible city perfect for those with limited mobility. Although the city is known for being a little hilly, the sightseeing buses are perfect for seeing the city without all the walking. Don’t forget to explore the historic castle, dungeons and amazing architecture, the city has a lot to offer visitors of all ages.
East Sussex
East Sussex is another county that sits on the south coast and is known for being a popular tourist spot for those who want to escape to the stunning seaside and enjoy the fresh air. Home to popular spots like Hastings, Rye and the stunning South Downs National Park.
The Crazy Tourist blog describes the county as: “On the southeast coast, East Sussex is a county that will take you back to England’s very foundation. The decisive Battle of Hastings was fought here, and William the Conqueror built his first fortresses in East Sussex. Amid all this history is Brighton, England’s most progressive city, and a sort of miniature London on the south coast.”
Eastbourne
One of the most popular coastal retreats in the county alongside Brighton, Eastbourne is the perfect location for a post-lockdown break. Suzanne Jones from The Travel Bunny highly recommends Eastbourne to those looking to get away in the UK.
“Eastbourne, a seaside town in East Sussex, makes for a perfect post-lockdown staycation. The ‘sunniest place in the UK’ has a range of outdoor and indoor activities to suit all ages. Explore the seafront promenade, enjoy beach days and bandstand concerts, eat fish and chips on the Victorian pier, visit galleries, gardens, nearby vineyards and Sovereign Harbour.”
The stunning pier is one of the best examples of a Victorian pier in the UK and boasts all the popular attractions including doughnut stands, arcades and fish and chips, Suzanne recommends visiting all the local attractions to get a real feel for the town.
“Many of Eastbourne’s main attractions are located along the 4.5-mile seafront. The beach, seafront gardens, cafes and the pier are all accessible from the promenade. Ramps give access to the Lower Promenade and all the sights along it. Use the free Eastbourne Trails app to discover all the town’s points of interest. Sovereign Harbour has a few restaurants, shops and offers short boat trips around the harbour. For evenings there’s an excellent choice of restaurants, pubs and bars in the town. There are also three theatres and a cinema for when lockdown restrictions are lifted.”
The UK has so much to offer those of all ages, especially those with limited mobility and there are so many stunning locations full of wonderful attractions that are waiting for you to visit. All accessible by car or train, these locations all boast accessible hotels with walk in showers and baths and accessible lifts, so your mobility doesn’t have to be a worry.
The best post-lockdown staycation locations in the UK:
- Great Yarmouth
- Norwich
- Woolacombe
- Salcombe
- Clovelly
- Bournemouth
- Poole
- Dundee
- Edinburgh
- Eastbourne
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