You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy a great holiday. In fact, some of the best escapes can be found right here in the UK. 

A staycation gives you the chance to explore somewhere new, take a break from the everyday, and relax. All without the hassle of airports or long travel times.

Staycations come in all shapes and sizes. From beach breaks to woodland walks, there’s something for everyone — solo travellers, couples, families, nature-lovers, or festivalgoers. Here are a few ideas to get you started, plus some handy apps to help you plan (and enjoy) your perfect UK getaway.

When the sun’s out, the UK’s coastline really comes into its own. With almost 100 Blue Flag beaches across the country, there’s no shortage of clean, safe, and beautiful spots to enjoy.

• Cornwall – A classic destination for sandy beaches, surf spots and charming coastal villages like St Ives and Padstow.
• Wales – The Pembrokeshire coast is a standout, with beaches like Barafundle Bay and Whitesands offering fantastic scenery and walking trails.
• Norfolk – Head to Wells-next-the-Sea or Holkham for wide open sands, dunes and peaceful walks.
• The Jurassic Coast – Stretching from East Devon to Dorset, this UNESCO World Heritage site has impressive cliffs, fossil hunting, and stunning beaches like Durdle Door.

Once you’ve arrived and settled into your staycation spot, it’s great to have a few apps on hand to help you make the most of your downtime. Here are three free apps worth downloading before you go:

• GeoGuessr
  iOS & Android – Free with optional in-app purchases
  A fun, interactive game where you guess where in the world you are based on Street View images. There’s also a UK mode, so you can test your knowledge of local landmarks during quiet evenings or rainy afternoons.
• BBC Sounds
  iOS & Android – Free
  A great app for streaming podcasts, music mixes, audiobooks and radio shows. It’s perfect for beach days, car journeys or winding down at your accommodation.
• National Trust App
  iOS & Android – Free
  Useful for finding interesting places to explore nearby, from historic houses to nature reserves and coastline walks. It also includes opening times and visitor information.

Live music, food, comedy, arts — the UK has a festival for just about every interest. You can go all in with camping, or just pop in for a day or two. Here are some of the biggest and best, now that Glastonbury’s done and dusted:

• All Points East (London)
  Dates: 22–25 August 2025 (TBC)
  Held in Victoria Park, this multi-day event blends big-name music acts with local community activities.
• Reading and Leeds Festivals
  Dates: 22–24 August 2025
  Two iconic festivals held simultaneously over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Expect a mix of rock, indie, rap and more.
• Creamfields (Cheshire)
  Dates: 21–24 August 2025
  One of the biggest dance music festivals in the world, with multiple stages and top-name DJs.
• Latitude (Suffolk)
  Dates: 17–20 July 2025
  Set in Henham Park, this relaxed festival combines music, comedy, arts and family-friendly fun in a beautiful countryside setting.
• Camp Bestival (Dorset & Shropshire editions)
  Dates: Shropshire: 17–20 July 2025, Dorset: 31 July–3 August 2025

Designed with families in mind — lots of music, funfair rides, crafts, wellness activities and entertainment for kids.

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
  Dates: 1–25 August 2025
  A city-wide celebration of theatre, comedy, dance and more. It’s the world’s largest arts festival and a great excuse to visit Edinburgh in the summer.

Festival-friendly apps.

• AccuWeather
  iOS & Android – Free
  Knowing if rain’s on the way can make a big difference at a festival. AccuWeather offers local forecasts and alerts.
• Shazam
  iOS & Android – Free
  Heard a great song but missed the name? Use Shazam to identify tracks in a few seconds and save them to your playlist.
• Official festival apps
  Some major festivals have their own apps. They often include site maps, set times, artist info and real-time updates. Reading & Leeds app / Latitude app

Getting close to nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it (unless you want to). Camping and glamping offer different ways to enjoy the great outdoors, depending on your style.

What’s the difference?

• Camping – Usually involves pitching a tent and bringing your own gear. It’s basic, but budget-friendly and fun for those who enjoy a more traditional outdoor experience.
• Glamping – A step up in comfort. You can stay in pre-setup accommodation like treehouses, cabins, yurts or bell tents — often with proper beds, heating and even hot tubs!

Popular locations

• The Lake District – Ideal for lakeside camping, hill walks, and picturesque views.
• Snowdonia – Great for more adventurous types, with mountain hikes and remote sites.
• South Downs – Easy to reach from London and perfect for countryside escapes.
• Isle of Skye – A bit of a journey but a beautiful, rugged landscape that’s well worth the trip.

Helpful camping apps

• Pitchup
  iOS & Android – Free
  Lets you search and book camping, glamping and caravan sites across the UK with filters for facilities and location.
• What3Words
  iOS & Android – Free
  This app gives every location a unique three-word address. It’s great for finding a specific spot or meeting point, especially in remote areas.
• Park4Night
  iOS & Android – Free
  Designed for motorhome and campervan users, but useful for anyone looking for quiet places to stay overnight.

For a more relaxed (or active) escape, a walking holiday can be a great way to unwind. The UK has plenty of well-marked paths through stunning landscapes:

• South west coast path – 630 miles of coastal views through Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset.
• Hadrian’s wall path – Historic trails and countryside stretching across the north of England.
• Peak district – A mix of open moorland, limestone valleys and picturesque villages.

There are loads of walking apps out there to help you find the right route. Three worth checking out are Komoot, AllTrails, and Footpath – an app where you can plan routes by drawing on the map.

A great holiday doesn’t always require a plane ticket, as there’s so much to see and do right here in the UK. Staycations offer you flexibility, variety, and the chance to rediscover what’s on your doorstep.

Got a go-to UK holiday spot you’d recommend? Share your tips with fellow Community members in the comments below. We’d love to hear your ideas!