If you’re eager to go on a trip, but don’t have the time to take a full-on holiday, consider taking a short break in England. In fact, staycations have become even more popular than ever, with many luxury accommodations in the country catering to those who want to relax and unwind without travelling outside the country.
Whether you want to discover some culture and history or visit quaint villages with picturesque streets to explore, here’s where to go for a luxurious break in England.
Padstow, Cornwall
Padstow is a quaint harbour town where you can spend the days relaxing by the beach and enjoying refreshing drinks as you listen to the ocean waves and soak up the Cornish sunshine. A holiday to Padstow offers the perfect opportunity to savour everything you would expect from a luxurious Cornish holiday.
A visit to Padstow is incomplete without a luxury boat trip, where you can experience awe-inspiring views of Cornwall’s dramatic coastline. But perhaps the highlight of your boat trip would be the wildlife. From seals to sharks, dolphins, and porpoises, your Padstow boat trip is a fantastic opportunity to spot all these amazing sea creatures.
When you’ve worked up an appetite after your boating adventure, it’s time for a gastronomic feast. You will find all kinds of eateries along the harbourfront, from creperies and ice cream parlours to fancy waterfront restaurants serving the freshest fish and seafood.
After your feast, the best way to burn calories is to go shopping. Padstow’s harbourfront has the usual luxury shopping favourites and stalls selling souvenirs, arts & crafts, wooden toys, and everything under the sun!
The New Forest, Hampshire
Those looking to explore nature should consider a luxurious break in the New Forest, a national park in Hampshire featuring vast stretches of ancient woodland that has long been attracting nature lovers looking to unwind. During your visit, it may be worth considering staying in a lavish accommodation, such as a castle. There are luxury castle rentals across England, some are in Hampshire, perfect for those seeking somewhere luxurious to stay during their holiday.
The New Forest National Park is a true paradise for those who love nature. Here, you can hike or cycle several miles of glorious trails leading to lush greenery and river valleys. Since New Forest is also home to rivers and beaches, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding.
In the middle of the New Forest National Park lies Brockenhurst, a beautiful village with excellent local amenities, including local pubs and restaurants. But what makes it even more appealing is it has donkeys and ponies roaming freely in the area.
Another reason the New Forest has become a favourite holiday destination in the UK is its beautiful coastline, which attracts thousands of visitors. Indulge in numerous water sports and enjoy a picnic by the coast.
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester is a scenic town full of history and charm. It offers a variety of attractions, making it an ideal destination for all kinds of visitors. It’s perfect for sightseeing, shopping, and food-tripping. Here, you’ll spend your days browsing through shops and museums, eating great food and taking trips to the stunning Jurassic coast.
For history lovers, Dorchester has some excellent museums you can explore. Visit the Dorset County Museum, which showcases an array of fascinating exhibitions, including archaeological artefacts. If you’re holidaying with the kids, take them to the Teddy Bear Museum or the Dinosaur Museum, which appeal to kids of all ages.
Another attraction ideal for those on a family holiday to Dorchester is the Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park, where kids and adults can interact and feed alpacas, goats, chickens, sheep, giant rabbits, and miniature piglets. Aside from the animals, there are beautiful Grade II listed gardens to roam around and lovely plants to admire. After exploring the place, head to the visitor centre on-site to enjoy some light refreshments.
Bath, Somerset
There are many excellent places to see around Bath, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious break in England. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to fantastic shops and spas, you will surely enjoy your visit, whether you’re here for a few days or a week.
Together with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China, Bath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Aside from its finest examples of 18th-century architecture, the city boasts a wealth of fascinating Roman remains, including ancient baths and temples. It also has its own Hot Springs, which have healing powers.
Bath is also a great place to shop. In Southgate, you’ll find a variety of high-street retailers. The narrow passages and alleyways surrounding the Bath Abbey have several stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, and accessories.
Relax in the Bath Thermae Spa is a must for those on a luxurious break in Bath. It’s the only place in the UK to enjoy natural thermal waters, similar to what the Romans had thousands of years ago.
Chester, Cheshire
Chester boasts a relaxing atmosphere and awe-inspiring beauty, making it a perfect destination for a luxurious weekend break. You can ride one of the heritage buses to explore the city or go on a guided tour. Better yet, enjoy a cruise along its scenic river.
Exploring the City Walls is a must. It’s among the first walls built by the Romans, stretching about two miles around the city. As you stroll through the walls, you’ll come across the Eastgate Clock, believed to be the second-most-photographed clock in England.
Next, visit the beautiful Chester Cathedral built in 1541 and functioned as an abbey for several years. Hike up the cathedral’s tower, where you can admire panoramic views of the city.
Check out the Chester Rows, lined with shops and houses dating back to the 14th Century. The rows occupy four main streets, Watergate, Eastgate, Northgate, and Bridge Streets.
For a more relaxing way to explore the city, take a boat ride along the Great River Dee. The scenic trip will take you towards the Queen’s Park Bridge, past a beautiful meadow and into Grosvenor Park. It’s a great way to gain insights and the city’s rich history.
