Great escapes at home and around Europe
It’s been a tough 12 months. Lockdown, loneliness and loss has been hard-hitting due 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 – which is fine by us, as long as it’s not actually at home. Never has a British escape – ideally with family and friends we haven’t seen or hugged for eons – been more welcome.
Family holiday experts Vrbo surveyed more than 7,000 parents and discovered, unsurprisingly, we’re all keen to head to the beach this summer.
Vrbo’s Karen Mullins says: “Despite a year of postponed and cancelled holidays, this year will be the summer for UK staycations.”
Not sure where to book? These trips are available 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 – there’s even an outdoor swimming pool. Located in Okehampton and within reach of Dartmoor
National Park, this cottage is a great base for anyone wanting to explore Devon.
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 5k away,
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 – perfect for a coastal break this summer.
Cumbria
Cumbria is known for the alluring Lake District National Park, home to stunning views and some of England’s biggest lakes. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Combgill Cottage is a recently refurbished, beautiful historic cottage in the heart of the pretty village of Tirril, perfectly located for spending time in the stunning scenery of the Lakes, to disconnect from the stress of the city. Sleeps up to six.
Pembrokeshire
If you fancy becoming a treasure seeker, you might want to head to the Pembrokeshire coastline, which is known for its shipwrecks and vast amount of bays and sandy beaches.
It’s a nature lover’s haven and the Cosy Log Cabin is just 5k from Tenby beach, and 1.5k from Tenby Dinosaur Park. It sleeps up to four and is also pet friendly, which means no family member has to be left behind.
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is known for being covered in national parks, and if you take a trip to the heritage coast, you’ll be sure to enjoy some of the county’s striking landscapes.
If you’re looking for a picturesque place to stay, then nestled within the Yorkshire Dales National Park is this hideaway cottage in Grassington village. The property sleeps four people, has two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Northumberland
If you’re looking for somewhere in between the coast and countryside, then Belford in Northumberland is the perfect spot. Vault Cottage, a converted bank property, has a rooftop garden for private outdoor dining and is handy for Bamburgh Beach.
Factfile
Remember, travel restrictions remain in place. Check gov. uk and gov.scot for the latest Coronavirus guidelines