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 day trip 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 2 of multiple guides of daycations spots, so check out our previous one and keep an eye out for next weeks for more inspiration.
Winchester
Full of charm and history, Winchester is a must for a few hours. There is a wonderful mix of high street favourites and independent shops so you really must take your time perusing the boutiques. Ready for some food? Then you will be spoilt for choice with the amazing selection of bakeries, Café’s, restaurants, and pubs to dine at. Once you’re full up on delicious food take a walk around the city and head to the Cathedral, then follow the river around the city.
Where to shop: Sass & Edge, The Hambledon, Neptune, The Consortium
Where to eat: The Ivy, The Winchester Orangery, Three Joes, Hoxton Bakehouse
Where to stay: Hotel Du Vin, The Pigsty
Tenby
Tenby is a delightful harbour town in southwest Wales. It’s known for its 13th-century town walls and its stretches of sandy shorelines that hug the town centre. There are many lovely places to shop and eat, so spend your day strolling around all the lanes and maybe even pop onto the beach for a swim or an ice cream to end your day.
Where to shop: Ebb and Flow, Jago, Welsh Otter, Mor Tenby,
Where to eat: The Fat Seagull, The Cove, Umi, Loafley, On George’s,
Where to stay: Ty Mair,
For somewhere to stay just outside of Tenby, check out our review of Woodlea here.
Penzance
Penzance is right near the bottom of Cornwall and England and is a charming seaside town that is up and coming. From gorgeous interiors and clothing stores to spend your money in and fabulous places to eat, you will definitely want to keep coming back or extend your day trip by spending the night in one of their beautiful hotels.
Where to shop: Circa 21, Seven Stones, No. 56, &Living, Fishboy, Whiteroom, Pure Nuff Stuff, Linen and Clay, The Planted House,
Where to eat: Totti, Blacks, Bakehouse, 45 Queen Street,
Where to stay: Chapel House, Artist Residence
For more information, read our full review of the Chapel House here and Artist Residence here.
Bristol
Known for its thriving harborside, its blend of architecture, and its contribution to the arts and sciences, Bristol is a great place to visit for a day. You may recognise Bristol from the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge that sits proudly high above the city, or you may know Bristol from their amazing Bristol Balloon Fiesta which sees 100’s of balloons take to the sky. And of course, a trip to Bristol wouldn’t be complete without discovering some of Banksy’s artwork along the way.
Where to shop: Fig1, Bush Bristol, Frankly, Papersmiths, French Grey,
Where to eat: Harts Bakery, Pasture, Bandook, Cargo Cantina, Anna Cake Couture, Lost and Found
Where to stay: Artist Residence, Hotel du Vin, Mollies Motel
Shaftesbury
The town is widely known and recognised for the Insta-worthy Gold Hill, which was featured in the Hovis advert. This charming town is a great place to explore with many boutique shops and cute eateries lining the street making it an ideal place for a UK day trip.
Where to shop: Willow, Mine, Pamplemousse, The Botanical Candle Co, Willow,
Where to eat: San Tonino, The Grosvenor Arms,
Where to stay: The Grosvenor Arms,
Topsham
Just off the M5 from Exeter, sits Topsham, making it an easy and accessible place to visit for a day trip. This quaint historic estuary port has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants that will make you keep coming back for more.
Where to shop: Allotment, Nest, Circle, Lark, Ebb and Flow
Where to eat: The Boathouse Café, The Pig and Pallet, The Passage House Inn
Where to stay: St Margaret’s Steps,
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in western England. It sits inside a loop of the River Severn, which means there are lots of pretty riverside walks to explore. The town is full of Tudor buildings that line the streets. The beautiful half-timbered houses will keep you wanting to explore the town to see more too.
Where to shop: Lovely Little World, Wyld Home, Brok, Ella Cru, White Lotus Living, Okra, Hopefully Made,
Where to eat: The Beefy Boys, Ginger and Co, Sophie’s Creperie, Daily Brews, Caffe Figo,
Where to stay: Love2stay, 1 Reabrook Place,
For more UK day trip inspiration, check out our other guide here.
