The market for UK staycations is booming. Leaving the hassle of the airports behind has never been more of a trend: with holiday cottage bookings up 274% by the start of the year, 2023 is set to see tourists staying closer to home.
Whether you’re thinking of booking an action-packed family holiday or a romantic retreat, choosing a location for your getaway is the most critical step. Below, we’ve listed some of the best destinations for UK city breaks with a difference.
Top 5 UK urban staycations
- Cambridge
Thanks to its central position in the East Midlands, Cambridge is one of the easiest cities to reach from anywhere in the UK. Just as taking the train from Peterborough to Cambridge promises an easy, direct journey, using the Park & Ride service is fast and convenient for families.
Along with being home to one of the most prestigious and world-renowned universities, the town offers ample opportunities for shopping, eating, and drinking, with a lively culture to boot.
One of the main attractions is the opportunity to go punting along the river Cam. Visitors can choose whether to do the ‘punting’ themselves or sit back, relax, and take in the views while a helpful guide does the hard work.
- Bath
If tranquillity and luxury are high up on your list, a weekend trip to Bath shouldn’t disappoint. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and nestled amongst the streets you’ll find some incredibly well preserved, original Roman baths. This rare opportunity to bathe in ancient, naturally heated waters at the Thermae Bath Spa attracts visitors from across the continent.
Bath is also jam-packed with bookshops, quaint guest houses, and a magnificent array of local cafés, bistro pubs, and top-rated restaurants.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh frequently tops the lists of UK city sightseers – and it’s not difficult to see why. Scotland’s capital is teeming with some of the best pub grub, afternoon teas, Michelin star restaurants and fine whiskies in the UK. Along with its strong standing on the culinary front, Edinburgh is known for its cultural and touristic appeal too.
Popular attractions include its 13th-century castle, an ancient fortress build upon an extinct volcano called Castle Rock, and the highest point in Holyrood Park. The world-famous Arthur’s Seat is popular with tourists, taking approximately two hours on foot to reach the top.
- Durham
Perfect for those seeking a slightly more cultural UK break, Durham is dominated by its world-renowned Romanesque cathedral. The city’s lively university culture gives it a relaxed, youthful feel despite being steeped in centuries’ worth of history.
Cobbled shopping lanes lead straight onto the university campus, which offers the solitude of its own 25-acre botanical garden just south of the main university gardens. And from posh brunch cafés to artisan bakeries and top-rated restaurants, Durham is certainly one for the foodies too.
- Liverpool
Lastly, Liverpool might not be the first city that springs to mind when you’re planning a staycation – but there’s much to be said about this trendy destination. Not only is it home to the legendary Liverpool FC and the Royal Albert Dock, but Liverpool boasts an unrivalled musical heritage.
The Beatles shape much of Liverpool’s music tourism. You can visit the Beatles Story Exhibition, take a special Beatles-themed tour of the city, or even call in to the Casbah Coffee Club where it all started. Whatever the purpose of your stay, all you need is love for adventure – and an umbrella too!
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