The year of the staycation is definitely here to stay but when money is a little tighter why not go on an adventure and experience a daycation. We have found the best places to visit across the UK for a daycation so that you can still get that sense of exploring without blowing the budget. From the best shops, places to eat, and things to do, we have even let you know where to stay too if you feel like extending your visit. This is part 1 of multiple guides of daycations spots, so check out new ones that will be coming up.
Bruton, Somerset
Over the past few years, the tiny former market town of Bruton, Somerset has slowly been getting a reputation as one of the hottest up-and-coming towns around. It makes for a fabulous place to escape for a day or even a weekend thanks to its quirky places to stay, an influx of art galleries and shops, and hip places to eat. Walk up to the Dovecote that sits on top of a hill that overlooks the village and from there walk to Hauser and Wirth. In this complex, you will find the art gallery, Roth Bar and Grill where you can pick up food and drink all day, and the fabulous farm shop.
Where to shop: Rose and Lyons, Caro, The Old Pharmacy, The Flower Shop, Hole and Corner, Durslade Farm Shop, Art Galleries
Where to eat: Osip, Roth Bar and Grill, The Old Pharmacy, At the Chapel
Where to stay: Number One, At the Chapel, Durslade Farmhouse
For more information, read our full guide to Bruton here.
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Cirencester is a charming market town in the heart of the Cotswolds and is often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds. With independent shops lining the streets and an abundance of cosy coffee shops to rest in with a slice of homemade cake, it’s definitely a place to visit. Take a walk along the cobbled road of Black Jack Street to explore some boutique shops or head to Cirencester Park for a walk around the Bathurst Estate and a wonderful view of the town below. If you visit on a Saturday, then head to their farmers market which is full of local produce to buy, or in the Summer months pop to the Lido for a splash and a swim in the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool.
Where to shop: Sue Parkinson, MADE, French Grey, Octavia’s Bookshop, Corn Hall Deli
Where to eat: Jacks, MBB Brasserie, Luxe Cafe Bar, Sam and Jak, He says she waffles
Where to stay: The Kings Head, The Fleece, The Barrel Store
Deal, Kent
Expect to be amazed by this little town. It may not look like anything special if you drove through the town but behind the seafront row of houses, lays a street full of the most wonderful interior and clothes shops. We couldn’t believe how many lovely shops there were here, so it was a great little place to explore and walk up and down the many different side streets. We parked in Walmer and walked along the seafront path into Deal which was great as it’s flat, so it’s a lovely walk for all walking abilities.
Where to shop: Dunlin and Diver, Hoxton Store, Mileage Vintage, Barkened, Beach of Deal, Smoke of the Water.
Where to eat: Deal Pier Kitchen, Frog And Scot, The Yellow Giraffe, The Lane, Kings Head
Where to stay: The Rose,
St Ives, Cornwall
If you are fortunate to be there on a glorious sunny day then you can sit outside with a drink or two and watch the world go by. You really will feel you have been swept further away than just Cornwall. With beautiful cobbled streets, delightful boutiques, and too many pubs, restaurants, and bars to visit in just a day, this is a great place to spend a day exploring.
Where to shop: Academy and Co, Zennor Wild, Illustrated Living, The St Ives Co,
Where to eat: Blas Burgerworks, Porthmeor Beach Cafe, Rum and Crap shack, Hub, Talay Thai Kitchen, Beer and Bird, Firehouse
Where to stay: St Ives Harbour Hotel, Trevose House, The Olive Branch, 27 The Terrace, Boutique Retreats, Sand and Stone Escapes (check out black moon!), The Tide House, Wella
For more information, read our full guide here.
Salcombe, Dorset
Nestled on the Kingsbridge estuary in Devon, Salcombe is a delightful little town to explore for a day. With lovely coastal views, cosy pubs, rolling countryside, and boutique shops, there is much to see and do, in and around Salcombe. You really will be spoilt with choice, whether you want to spend your days drinking in pubs or explore the local beaches and countryside.
Where to shop: Busby and Fox, Amelia’s Attic, Chattels, Salcombe Trading Company, Will Bees Bespoke
Where to eat: Crab Shed, Dick and Wills, Salcombe Distillery and Bar, The Ferry Inn, The Winking Prawn
Where to stay: Ferryside, Halcyon, Salcombe Finest holiday lettings, Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Victoria Inn
For more information, read our full guide here.
Alnwick, Northumberland
The charming market town of Alnwick is home to a Harry Potter styled Castle, cute shops to spend your money in, and some delicious eateries. Take time to explore the Alnwick gardens when you visit as they are absolutely stunning and have a fabulous water feature that you will want to gaze at all day.
Where to shop: Robinson’s, Marilyn and Melrose, Ruby Tuesday,
Where to eat: Adam and Eve, The Treehouse Restaurant, The Pig in Muck,
Where to stay: The Cookie Jar, Hallow and Crux
St Albans, Hertfordshire
St. Albans is a city in the commuter belt, just north of London. If you were to imagine an English cathedral city, you would expect centuries of history running through its streets, wonderful parks to wander through, fascinating buildings, food and drink for every taste, and lovely places to shop. Well, St Albans has all of this in abundance.
Where to shop: Raindrops on Roses, Cositas, Maison Hartley, Chloe James
Where to eat: Prime Steak and Grill, Per Tutti, Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen, The Meating Room St Albans, HATCH, The Pudding Stop
Where to stay: St Michael’s Manor Hotel, Sopwell House,
Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Helmsley is the only market town in the picturesque North York Moors National Park. This makes it a great place to visit as you can easily continue your day out by visiting the Moors or even by heading to the coast. Helmsley is full of history, character, and stunning architecture and has a sweet stream running through the center of the town.
Where to shop: Bowley and Jackson, Twig and Twine, Evelyn Lily Interiors, Holme Lea Country Interiors, Angus and Co
Where to eat: Helmsley Brewing Co, Cornercopia Cafe, Mannion and Co Kitchen, The Wine Kitchen,
Where to stay: The Feathers Hotel, Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
2 comments