Posted on Friday, 23 October 2020

Britons who normally take their winter breaks in places like Spain or France may well be looking to their own shores as temperatures drop and coronavirus cases rise - both here and abroad.

And while classic destinations like Devon, Cornwall and the Lake District offer plenty, it's worth considering some less-visited locations, where natural beauty is just as prevalent.

What's more, these locations are far less crowded than the usual hotspots, making them ideal for some peace and quiet.

York

Many history-rich UK cities get most of their visitors from overseas, which is why they haven't done too well in the UK staycation stakes. This is a shame, since cities such as York have just as many great hotel deals available, alongside a vast number of things to do. In York's case, Clifford's Tower (York Castle), York Cathedral, the National Railway Museum and many top-notch shops, bars and restaurants.

The Peak District

With vast tracts of unspoilt countryside, and a wide range of things to do (for both kids and adults), the Peak District deserves some thought for your next staycation. Often just as pretty as the Lake District, here you can climb peaks like Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, and visit grand country mansions like Chatsworth House.

The Northumberland coast

A tad chillier than its counterparts in the Southwest, Northumberland nevertheless has some of the prettiest and cleanest beaches in the UK. The coastal drama starts with charming towns like Alnwick and Seahosues, ratcheting up with the brooding Bamburgh Castle, and peaking with Lindisfarne Castle, perched on a crag of volcanic rock on Holy Island. Due to Covid you cannot see inside the castle, but the town is open. Be sure you don't get cut off when the tide rises!

Dartmoor

Often called England's Last Great Wilderness, Dartmoor is an immense 268-square-mile playground for ramblers, hikers and lovers of cream teas and pasties. Dotted rugged tors (volcanic rocky outcrops) clean rivers and wild ponies, this national park area is perfect if you need nature, space and fresh air. Hotels, B&Bs, caravan parks and campsites are all possibilities for your Dartmoor staycation.

Mersea Island, Essex

Cross the Strood - Mersea's Roman causeway - and enter this seafood lover's paradise. After (or possibly before) filling up on fresh lobster, crab, mussels and/or tiger prawns, why not hike the 13-mile circumference of the island? Monkey Beach and Cudmore Grove Country Park are other highlights.

Isle of Skye

OK, Skye may actually be quite popular, but it's big enough to accommodate many visitors. Scotland's second biggest island offers wild moorland, craggy peaks and picturesque villages. If you visit, you'll soon see why so many epic movies used Skye as a backdrop, from Star Wars the Force Awakens to Prometheus to Wickerman.

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