Our top UK Destinations

With lockdown easing you can still book a break if you’re quick, writes Claire Spreadbury

It’s been a tough 12 months. Lockdown, loneliness and loss has been hard hitting thanks to the pandemic, and most of us are desperate for a holiday. The politicians’ roadmaps have given us a little light at the end of the tunnel, but foreign escapes still feel out of reach for many, and anxiety inducing to others. So, it’s likely we’ll be holidaying closer to home this summer.

But is it worth the stress? If last summer is anything to go by, all the best places were snapped up before we even started Googling, and the ones left seemed bang average (at best) yet absolutely extortionate. So, is there anything left, where do we want to escape to, and when should we book?

Family holiday experts Vrbo surveyed more than 7,000 parents and discovered, unsurprisingly, we’re all keen to head to the beach this summer.

Cornwall topped the list of UK destinations its customers are interested in this summer, mirroring last year’s popularity of Cornish seaside destinations, such as St Ives. Its neighbouring county of Devon, home to The English Riviera, is also proving to be a popular staycation destination, while Norfolk, Dorset and Caithness round off the top five.

Still not sure where to book? These top locations are still available to book if you’re quick…

Cornwall

There aren’t many Cornish coastal locations we wouldn’t like to escape to, but St Ives really is a jewel in the crown. With an average nightly fee of £211 and availability in the summer holidays, The Stones Luxury Apartment has uninterrupted sea views across a four-storey former sea Captain’s house.

Devon

Famous for its stunning landscapes, Devon is a great choice for families wanting to escape to the countryside this year. A break at Old Stable Cottage sleeps up to six people and is all about embracing the fresh country air and spending quality time together. Located in Okehampton and within reach of Dartmoor National Park, this cottage is a great base for anyone wanting to explore Devon. Average nightly fee £287. Minimum two-night stay.

Norfolk

Known for its long, sandy beach, Great Yarmouth is always a hit for families, and this Luxury Family

Caravan at Hopton sleeps up to eight people, with three bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge. Close to the sea with the Pleasure Beach and Fritton Lake Outdoor Centre and Country Park just 5km away, it’s the perfect escape. Average nightly fee £73. Minimum three-night stay.

Dorset

Poole is a bustling tourist resort in the east of Dorset, and is well known for Europe’s largest natural harbour and award-winning blue flag beaches, including the world famous Sandbanks Beach. The Grey House is a family-friendly property which sleeps up to six guests and is situated in the heart of Poole, with Westbourne and Bournemouth within walking distance. Average nightly fee £214. Minimum threenight stay.

Caithness

Caithness is one of the most northerly areas in Scotland and home to rolling farmland, moorland and scattered settlements. This apartment located in Keiss, Wick, comfortably accommodates up to six, and includes two double en-suite

Cornwall’s hidden coves, main; explore Scotland from Caithness, above right; St Ives, above

bedrooms. Average nightly fee £149. Minimum three-night stay.

Cumbria

Cumbria is known for the alluring Lake District National Park, home to stunning views and some of England’s biggest lakes. Combgill Cottage is a recently refurbished, beautiful historic cottage in the heart of the pretty village of Tirril. Sleeps up to six. Average nightly fee £289. Minimum three-night stay.

Pembrokeshire

Where do we want to escape to, and when should we book?

If you fancy becoming a treasure seeker, you might want to head to the Pembrokeshire coastline. It’s a nature lover’s haven and a Cosy Log Cabin is just 5km from Tenby beach, and 1.5k from Tenby Dinosaur Park. It sleeps up to four and is also pet friendly. Average nightly fee £221. Minimum three-night stay.

Northumberland

This converted bank property in Belford has a rooftop garden for private outdoor dining and is just 7.6km from Bamburgh Beach. Average nightly fee £122. Minimum three-night stay.

To book any of these properties and to search more, visit vrbo.com