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 4 of multiple guides of daycations spots, so check out our previous one for more inspiration.
Fowey
Fowey is a charming town that sits on an estuary in stunning Cornwall. Fowey is a great place to visit for a day as there are many wonderful shops and places to eat. One of my favourite things to do is the Hall Walk, which takes you across the other side of the estuary where you will get beautiful views of Fowey.
Where to shop: Allyss & Co, Pink Lemons, LIGA eco store, The Webb Street Company, Pebble and Salt, Brocante, White Doll Arts
Where to eat: Bufala, Fitzroy, Appletons, North Street Kitchen, Pintxo
Where to stay: The Old Quay House, Fowey Harbour Hotel
Cheltenham
Full of history, beautiful architecture, and Regency style, Cheltenham’s charm can be found in every corner of the town. This spa town has much to do to keep everyone entertained, from the shops that line the promenade, delicious eateries that challenge some of the best in London, and museums and parks to explore at your own pace.
Where to shop: Little Interior, French Grey, The Union Project, Olive, Tivoli Wines,
Where to eat: DEYA Brewing Company, Holee Cow, Kibou, The Fire Station, The Railway
Where to stay: The George Hotel, No.38 The Park, Queens Hotel, No.131
Frome
If you drive through Frome, you would miss the beautiful cobbled street of St Catherine’s. This charming street is full of some of the best independent shops around and where you will be spending lots of money, so make sure you take your time to explore the whole of the town.
Where to shop: Bramble and Wild, BAXTER Creative, Tally OH!, Denude, Frome Hardware, Solsken, Resident, Pilea,
Where to eat: Bistro Lotte, The High Pavement, Archangel, Rye Bakery,
Where to stay: Hemington Coach House
Cambridge
Boasting one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge is a town brimming with history, tradition, and scholarly charm. Cambridge is a beautiful university city and sits on the relaxing River Cam and is definitely one to add to your UK daycation lists.
Where to shop: ARK, Podarok, Owbox and Peach, Catesbys,
Where to eat: Fitzbillies, Parkers Tavern, Six Cambridge
Where to stay: Clayton Hotel, The Varsity Hotel, University Arms
Alresford
This is a sweet market town where there is a mix of shops from local boutiques, hidden treasure and antiques, and gift shops. Just a short walk from Alresford High Street is Long Barn. This is a great place to go whether you want a refreshing drink, garden plants, funky garden ware, home interiors, gifts and everything in between.
Where to shop: Alresford Linen Co, Wild Bunch, Susie Watson
Where to eat: Long Barn, Caracoli, Pulp Negro,
Where to stay: The Lavender Folly
Holt
The historic Georgian town of Holt is a charming rural north Norfolk town. Surrounded by parks and close to the coast, this town is perfect for a daycation. Meander around the streets and you will find gorgeous independent shops to treat yourself in.
Where to shop: Aurina, Crown House Flowers, Eric and Dollys, Make, Norfolk Natural Living, Sprout Interiors
Where to eat: Wells Deli, Meadowsweet, Folly Tearoom,
Where to stay: Byfords,
Bath
Fall in love with the beautiful city of Bath. It combines its vibrant contemporary culture with a rich history and heritage. There is something for all tastes and interests in this diverse city just waiting for you to explore.
Where to shop: The Loft, Graham and Green, Biggie Best, OKA, French Grey, Vinegar Hill
Where to eat: Good Day Cafe, Comptoir+Cuisine, Sweet Little Things, Circo Cellar Bar & Cocktail Lounge, Beckford Bottle Shop, The Scallop Shell
Where to stay: Broadstreet Townhouse, The Yard,
Oxford
Oxford is a great daycation if you want to take in some beautiful architecture, punt along the river, and wander around the old college streets. There are plenty of things to see and do here for a day or even longer. You will definitely want to come back again to explore further and make a weekend out of it.
Where to shop: Objects of Use, Central living,
Where to eat: Arbequina, Benugo, Gees
Where to stay: Malmaison, Old Bank Hotel, Vanbrugh House Hotel
For more UK daycation inspiration, check out our other guide here.
