We continue the theme with finding a UK staycation that isn’t swamped with tourists. If you still fancy a quiet and relaxing staycation this year, we’ve got just the thing. After hunting down some of the best coastal towns across the country, our list of charming coastal towns will give you some serious food for thought when booking a UK destination. From pretty Victorian seaside towns with candy floss and arcades to places to hike that aren’t as obvious as Mount Snowdon. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being close to nature, without the noise and chaos of tourists and crowds. So, if you’re ready to virtually travel across the UK, from Norfolk to Northern Ireland, let’s begin!
1: St David’s, South Wales
St.David’s in South Wales is actually the smallest city in Britain, with only 1,600 people calling this beautiful part of the country home. Within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St.David’s is a popular surfing hotspot. With white waves and soft sandy beaches, embrace the elements and try coasteering, sea kayaking, climbing, and surfing.
Wildlife fans will also be happy to hear that there are plenty of whale and dolphin watching trips from St.David’s which sail out to Ramsey Island, an RSPB reserve. Or stay on land and spot wild ponies grazing on St.David’s head. Since this area is protected, make sure to be conscious during your staycation and remove all traces of your visit when you leave. Rubbish from picnics on the beach, leftover rope from climbers, and plastic bottles dotted along the coastal paths can have a significant impact on the wildlife. So be responsible and respect this charming UK destination.
2: The Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway
Next, we’re heading up north to visit one of Scotland’s hidden gems. The Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve in Dumfries and Galloway is home to a spectacular 60-meter waterfall that plunges into Loch Skeen below. Take in the breathtaking views as you trek the landscape etched out by glacial erosion over millions of years. Challenge your mind and body by scaling the peaks of Lochcraid Head. You’ll be able to see as far as the Lake District from the summit of White Coomb.
This UK destination is best for the brave and adventurous, which means hopefully you won’t find a lot of crowds gathering halfway up the mountain! Spot peregrine falcons, feral goats, osprey fishing in the loch, and one of Britain’s rarest freshwater fish, the vendace.
3: Rivington Terraced Gardens, Lancashire
For an easier walk in the wilderness, consider Rivington Terraced Gardens in Lancashire. There is simply nowhere else like it, with an Italian lake, ideal for an open water swim, a Japanese Lake and garden with oriental pagoda style tea houses as well as winding paths and hidden caves to explore. There is also a tea room and cafe at the base of the hill for refreshments after an energetic day out.
The walk is not too difficult and even young children will enjoy this adventure. However, sadly, many families are still not removing their litter after visiting Rivington Terraced Gardens and a team of helpers are trying to overcome the growing environmental issue. So consider turning your trip into an eco-friendly experience, by litter picking as you hike and teach young children about the importance of protecting and conserving places of natural beauty.
4: Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Escape the chaos of inner London and book a staycation at Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk. The best way to see this coastal town is to jump aboard the famous Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, a classic steam train giving passengers a relaxing journey around the area. As one of the largest nature reserves by the coast in England and Wales, Wells-next-the-Sea is a great UK destination for bird watching.
If you don’t fancy watching the sky, why not go for a trek along the coast with an alpaca by your side! After burning off some energy, head to Holkham Hall, a stately home set in a 3,000-acre park with roaming wild deer. Although make sure to always watch from afar, and do not approach or attempt to feed these majestic creatures. This is a key filming location and can be seen in the film The Duchess (2008) starring Keira Knightley.
5: Southport, Merseyside
Experience a quintessentially British Victorian coastal town by booking a staycation in Southport. With the country’s second-longest pier, grab some candy floss and walk to the very end to visit a traditional penny arcade. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the old palm reader machine inside, which will tell you your fortune. After this, consider a speedboat ride on the lake, or pack a lunch and trek along Southport’s golden sand and dunes. A natural workout, the rolling dunes offer panoramic sea views but you’ll need to work up a sweat to scale them.
Then take the kids to the Model Railway Village, a mini rail network that has intricately painted buildings and greenery helping to bring it to life. You can also easily access Formby Squirrel Reserve by train from Southport, as well as Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
6: Portrush, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has plenty of coastal towns to visit but Portrush is a small fishing village that has been a popular staycation since Victorian times. With friendly locals and activities for all ages, Portrush is a peaceful sleepy village that offers plenty of things to see and do.
Explore the cliffs and practice your photography skills, visit the Adventure Park which has inflatable slides, or wander down to Portrush harbour, built-in 1827 and features lively bars and a handful of restaurants with fresh fish on the menu. But, make sure to be respectful when visiting this coastal town. People can easily forget that this is also home for many local families, who won’t thank you for late-night antics and loud music.
7: Yoesden Nature Reserve, High Wycombe
Based in South Buckinghamshire, Yoesden Nature Reserve is ideal for anyone into herbal medicine. Home to rare butterflies and fields of wildflowers, park in Bledlow Ridge on Chinnor Road and take the footpath on the left to enter the reserve. Considered a UK hidden gem, there are 28 species of butterfly here thanks to the floral grassland, as well as berks, bucks, and oxon.
