Staycations- what exactly are they and why they so popular right now?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a staycation is “a holiday that someone spends in their own country or home, rather than travelling somewhere else”

Due to varying travel guidelines, due to the coronavirus, more people are considering taking staycations, rather than vacations abroad, right now.

Like many people, I will miss my summer holidays abroad but this situation has made me appreciate how many wonderful places there are in the UK, many of which I have never visited before! I was planning a family break in San Sebastian this summer but will probably have to wait until next year now! Instead, we are now looking at staycation options. There are so many to choose from and we will probably save quite a bit of money in the process!

Now, let’s look at the various options:

• Beach staycations
• City breaks
• Country breaks
• Adventure holidays
• Safari parks
• Cultural/Historical breaks
• Staycations at home

I’ll be exploring all these options in my posts, in the next week or so. I will be looking at ideal breaks for family, couples and friends. Today I will be focusing on UK Beach Holidays!

UK Beach Staycations

There are so many amazing beaches in the UK. Whether you are into water sports, sailing, exploring, getting a culture fix, chilling on the beach, or indulging in delicious food and drink, you will find something to suit you!

If you are into watersports, such as surfing, sea kayaking, kite surfing, body boarding & sailing, you’ll find plenty of opportunites, as recommended by The National Trust & Countryfile. ( You can still chill on the beaches here, by the way!)

Devon & Cornwall:

Combesgate, Croyde and Woolacombe beaches, in North Devon are great for surfing, whether you are an experienced surfer or keen to try it out for the first time. Gwithian Beach, Cornwall is one of the best spots for kite surfing and the swells from the Atlanic are good for flat water sailing. Watergate Bay and Poldhu Cove, in Cornwall is very popular with surfers. Poldhu Cove has a small, family-friendly , surf school, run by Dan Joel, a former professional surfer who works in partnership with the National Trust: Dan Joel Surf School or check out this surf school that caters for beginners to experts Croyde: Full or Half-Day Surf Lesson

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Other things to see and do in the area:

There is a great range of restaurants and bars here too. We had a family holiday in Braunton, North Devon, a few years ago and discovered some great places there, including, the lovely Heanton Court Vintage Inn, in Barnstable. It, originally, was an ancient manor house for distinguished families, descended from King Edward IV. It’s now a family friendly Pub, serving a wide selection of food, ales, beers wines and soft drinks from 11am till late, everyday. It’s a beautiful, historic building, with stunning view over the estuary and Tarka Trail

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We also visited Ilfracome Harbour, while we were in North Devon. It’s the largest harbour on the North Devon coast and has been in existence, as a port, for several centuries. You can park and leave your car, then walk around, exploring the area. There is so much to do here including coastal cruises, fishing, sea-life safaris and diving or you can just explore the Quay and the surrounding streets. Here you’ll restaurants, cafes, tea gardens and pubs, many with outside seating. We found the lovely Curiosity Cottage Tea rooms, a family run cafe with a good choice of meals and homemade afternoon tea.

There are also lots of small shops, art galleries and general stores. Wandering round, you can’t miss Damien Hirst’s 66 foot stainless steel and bronze sculpture named Verity depicts a pregnant woman with layers of skin and flesh removed from one side to expose a fœtus, muscle layers and a skull underneath. On Hirst’s website it says: “Verity stands on a base of scattered legal books and holds the traditional symbols of Justice – a sword and scales”. It’s on loan to Ilfracombe for 20 years (since 2012) Locals & tourists have mixed feelings about the statue – some love it and some hate it – you can decide for yourself , when you see it!

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You can check out more restaurants, bars and cafes, in Devon here on Trip Advisor and 15 of the best restaurants in Cornwall, as recommended by Conde Nast Travel You can find lots of attraction and fun things to do here in both North Devon and Cornwall

Did you know that Cornwall is a popular location with TV/Film companies and has been used in some, seriously famous. films or TV shows? Here are some of the most popular filming locations:

• Charlestown –   The films Pirates of the Caribbean and Apocalypto were filmed here, along with the hit TV series, Poldark
• Port Isaac – This quaint village was used for the filming of the Doc Martin TV series
• Holywell Bay -The lovely beach here was also used for Poldark. The James Bond movie, Die another Day, starring Piers Brosnan, was also filmed here
• Carylon Bay Beach– Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto also made use of this beach, as did the film crew of Dracula, back in 1979
• Falmouth -Some of the scenes in World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, were filmed at sea, with the town as the backdrop
• Eden Project – The Bad Education Movie starring Jack Whitehall, more scenes from Die another day and the music video for George Ezra’s song, Barcelona, were all filmed here.

If you fancy a fun, informative, guided tour, you can do a Doc Martin Tour or a Poldark Tour

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If you’s prefer an organised, 5 day tour, exploring Devon and Cornwall, check this from Get Your Guide Visit Norman cathedrals and extraordinary coastlines as you see this beautiful pocket of England!

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Where to stay:

Whether you are looking to stay in a hotel, B&B, house, apartment, resort, motor home, or to go camping or glamping, there are so many options that cater for every budget. If you are travelling with a group, whole house or apartment rentals can prove very cost effective. Check out some accomodation ideas below:

Devon Beach Hotels, Cornwall Hotels – all of these have 4 or 5 star ratings from guests on Tripadvisor

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Devon Luxury Mini-Breaks Cornwall Luxury Mini-Breaks– Many of these ideal for couples, looking for a romantic getaway, as recommended by Coast Magazine

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Self Catering in Cornwall and Devon Apartments, cottages, townhouses, lodges, converted barns and resorts

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Chichester, Hayling Island & the Witterings:

Chichester is a beautiful, cathedral city that lies at the far end of Chichester Harbour. The city founded by the Romans around AD 50 and it’s stunning cathedral was completed in 1108. Most of the architecture in the city centre is of the Georgian era. The harbour itself is a designated Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Hayling Island‘s shingled seafront is great for kite surfers, windsurfers and at low tide, for swimmers and paddlers. It combines all the attractions of a traditional seaside holiday with excellent sporting and leisure facilities. The island’s miles of unspoilt coastline and countryside also offer a haven of peace and tranquility, where visitors can walk, cycle or eat, drink and relax. You can check out some great waterports available here: Islandeering, an explorer’s guide to the islands of Britain, and a few more here, if you are into sailing and, stand-up, paddle boarding and canoeing: Yumping.co.uk

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East and West Wittering are traditional seaside resorts with lovely beaches with dunes, that offer lots of space for relaxation. Dogs are welcome on the beach during the off-peak season. The beaches continue east along Bracklesham Bay up to Selsey Bill. This area is a popular for many watersports including wind and kite surfing, sea canoeing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and surfing.  In peak summer months the nature reserve offers lots of facilities. The beaches has on site cafes, beach bars, toilets and also water sports gear to rent/buy at stores such as Shore Watersports in East Wittering, located just 7 miles south of the City of Chichester on the South Coast of the UK: 20 – 22 Shore Road
East Wittering, Chichester
PO20 8DZ

Dogs are welcome on the beach during the off-peak season

Other things to see, and do, in the area:

If you love seafood then The Ship Bar & Grill is definitely worth a visit. As well as a wide range of seafood, they also serve steak, chicken and have some vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant is located in the Chichester Harbour Hotel, and is run by multi-award-winning Chef Patron, Alex Aitken. The menus showcase regional flavours, using local produce and seasonal ingredients.

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There are lots of activities and tours on offer in and around Chichester, suitable for families, couples and groups, including boat trips on the Chichester Canal, enjoy some art & culture at the Pallent House modern art gallery & museum or explore the tranquil The Bishops Palace Gardens, next to the Chichester cathedral. You can find more things to see and do here: Chichester Web

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My favourite seaside restaurant in Hayling Island is he Inn on the Beach. It has fantastic views across the Solent and the Isle of Wight and has lots of dining space inside and out. The menu offers a wide choice of seafood and fish dishes as well as the pub classics you know you love! We had a great meal here before a stroll along the beach.

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If you enjoy fun rides for all ages, from roller coaster to kiddies play areas, then pay a visit the beachside, Funland Amusement Park on Hayling Island. Thrill rides include the Runaway Mine Train and the Extreme Ride.

Family Fun rides include the Crazy Caterpillar, or traditional Dodgems

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Here are some more top attractions and things to do on the island, including , nature & parks, concerts & shows, tours & historical landmarks, as recommended by Tripadvisor

If you are in East Wittering and looking for high end, breakfasts, brunches & lunches, at very reasonable prices, in then check out the Drift In Surf Cafe. It’s a lovely cafe/restaurant serving something different to the usual cafe offerings. Drift-In Surf Cafe specialises in pancakes, healthy and innovative salads and sandwiches, homemade cakes and lots more. Their coffee is fair trade and organic certified and roasted in Cornwall. They are open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday. The location runs parallel, hand in hand, with their long established Wittering surf shop

The Lamb Inn, is beautiful country pub, set just a mile from West Wittering beach. A large, well spaced, garden with lots for families to enjoy. Food is varied- with pub classics, salad, wood fired pizzas, lots of local seafood and grills, great beer and service, in a safe and well set out, setting. Dogs and children are also welcome! They are featured in The Good Food Guide 2019 and Good Pub Guide, serving breakfast/brunch, and food all day 12-8pm

You can check out more highly rated places to eat & drink, in the Witterings on Tripadvisor

Where to stay:

Check out these guides to all types of accommodation in the area. These includes hotels, B&Bs, self catering houses & apartments and campsites so there is something for everyone! The Visit Chichester guide includes some bespoke holiday rentals in The Witterings or check out these. recommendations for Hayling Island. This list includes the Langstone Quays Resort in Portsmouth, which is only a 10 minute drive away.

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The Dorset Coast

The stunning Dorset coastline, in the South of England, is 142 kilometres (88 mi) long ( excluding the shoreline of Pool Harbour) running from Lyme Regis, in the west, to Highcliffe, in the east. There are SO many beautiful places to explore, and things to do here, many of which are on my “bucket list” including visiting Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove!

I often visit friends who live along the Dorset coast so I’ll be focusing these areas today: Sandbanks, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Mudeford Quay. They are all quite close to each other so wherever you choose to stay, you could easily have a day trip to the others! See the video above for some more Dorset ideas.

Sandbanks Beach runs along a small peninsula between Poole and Bournemouth.

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With it’s breathtaking views and soft golden sand, this Blue Flag beach is recognised as one of the best in the UK. It’s seaside properties are some of the most expensive, in the world – it’s often referred to as Britain’s Palm Beach! It’s clean, generally calm, waters are perfect for families or, for just chilling by the sea! Parasols, deck chairs and sports equipment such as volleyball & table tennis kits, are available from the beach front office. If you want to try some watersports, you should check out the Watersports Academy which has a wide range activities to suit all ages, skills, accompanied with fun qualified instructor. It has direct access to Poole Harbour’s sheltered and waist-deep water. The harbour, is the world’s second largest natural harbour in Dorset and is home to several marinas and yacht clubs.

Food and Drink:

With delicious seafood and lovely views across Poole harbour, Rick Stein restaurant is perfect for a relaxed get-together with family & friends or for a romantic dinner for two. They have a 3 course Set Lunch menu for £27pp Check out their main menu for more choices, including a steak & veggie option. For something a little less formal, the Sandbanks Beach Cafe is a popular choice. It’s modern and spacious cafe, serving a great variety of dishes such as moules frites, goats’ cheese tarts, antipasto & seafood sharing boards as well as burgers, paninis and cooked breakfasts or you can just enjoy a drink and the gorgeous sea view. It’s a family friendly cafe, with a kiddie’s play area & meals including “bucket and spade” lunches that they can enjoy on the beach!

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Other things to see and do:

For a fun day out with family and friends, Sandbanks Crazy Golf is a good option It’s located right next to the main car park on the Sandbanks peninsula, next to the children’s play area, and near the Sandbanks Beach Cafe. On a Poole Harbour & Islands Circular Cruise, you can take in fantastic views from the open deck as you pass picturesque Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.  Tickets are from £12.50 for adults , £7.50 for kids (5-16) & free for children under 4. A fun annual event, I attended with friends, a few years ago, was the Sandbanks beach party. Sadly, the event had to be cancelled this year, due to coronavirus but tickets for July 2021 are now on sale. The gates open to all ticket-holders from 1pm to enjoy an afternoon of Sandpolo (polo on the beach!) Spectators can get close to the action and fully appreciate the gladiatorial nature of polo! The afternoon also features a Beach Rugby exhibition, a charity pony race, a fashion show, and the chance to spot the odd celebrity guest! Then, as the sun begins to set, ‘Boogie on the Beach’ begins at 7pm & finishes @1am. Guests will enjoy a great line up of international Soul, Motown & Disco acts, performing live on stage in the main marquee. Full details can be found on their website

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Where stay:

My sister highly recommends the Sandbanks Hotel Step off it’s lovely terrace, straight onto the beach, with seven miles of golden sand! The perfect holiday destination for watersports, family fun or just relaxing by the sea. The hotel has 3 restaurants, The Sea View & The Amalfi Beach, which are only available to hotel guests The Pizza on the Beach (located on their) beach terrace) which also offers take-away service for non-residents. Another stunning place to stay is the Hotel Du Vin. Poole’s centre and Dolphin Shopping Centre is only 15 minutes’ walk away, whilst Poole Park and Boating Lake is 20 minutes away on foot. Poole’s beaches can be reached within a 10-minute walk. The French bistro serves locally sourced food and the bar has an extensive wine list. Couples, particularly, highly rate this hotel for it’s romantic ambience! If you are looking for self catering accommodation for up to 8 people, 1 Seascapes is a good option. This attractive, stylish, modern, four-bedroom townhouse is located on the Sandbanks Peninsular and provides fabulous family holiday accommodation, close to the beaches with off-road parking for 2 cars

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For more ideas for places to stay, check out the Poole Tourism Guide

Bournemouth

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There are so many things to see and do in this lovely coastal town and on it’s 7 miles of sandy coastline. Bournemouth Pier is situated on the beach, right next to the city centre. Other beaches include Durley Chine, Alum Chine. Boscombe and Southbourne. Here is the Bournemouth Guide for some great ideas

Food and Drink:

I had a couple of nice meals, on a day trip to Bournemouth Beach, The Westbeach seafood restaurant & beach bar, just metres from the beach & Bournemouth Pier. It’s one recommend as a “local gem” in Bournemouth, according to the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2019 and It’s earned itself great reviews from critics such as AA Gill. You can sit inside or on the terrace. The other lovely one was Vesuvio Italian restaurant, located on Alum Chine beach, with idyllic views from Old Harry Rocks to the Isle of Wight. Again, you can eat inside, or on the beach terrace. They also have a playground, at the back, for the kids.

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Other things to see and do:

The Oceanarium, is located next to Bournemouth Pier, on the beach front, just a 5 minute walk from the town centre. Have a magical underwater journey and discover 1000’s of amazing creatures above and below the waves- great fun for all the family. Explore the in the Oceanarium in the video below:

Check out the watersports, walking & hiking, entertainment & shopping! There also advice on a variety of places to stay while you’re here.

Christchurch & Mudeford Quay

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Christchurch adjoins Bournemouth in the west and the New Forest lies to the east. The town’s harbour, beaches, nature reserves and historically important buildings have made Christchurch a popular tourist destination. The town centre lies between the rivers Avon and Stour which flow directly into Christchurch Harbour. The harbour is a protected wildlife refuge and is home to large populations of swans, waders and other bird life. Mudeford is a former fishing village at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour in Dorset. Mudeford Quay is situated at the entrance to Christchurch harbour, it’s is the departure point for ferries to Mudeford Sandbank  On most days. from the beach here, you can see the Isle of Wight and Needles across the Christchurch Bay.

Food, Drink and Things to do:

The Jetty restaurant, at the Harbour Hotel, in Mudeford, is a multi-award-winning restaurant, perched right on the water’s edge and with spectacular views across the harbour. It specialises in locally-caught seafood paired with seasonal ingredients from the surrounding New Forest. We celebrated a friend’s birthday here and the food, drinks and service were great! I also love The Boathouse, in Christchurch. It has lovely, panoramic views of the quay and you can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner, alfresco or indoors. If you fancy a bit of crazy golf, you can play on their course and grab a nice take-away instead! The Thomas Tripp, in Christchurch town centre, is a fun pub & music venue, with tasty food. It was named after the a legendary local smuggler, who was a hero in the 17th century, as smuggling was an honourable tradition, in the area, in those days! We went to a fancy dress. Pirate Party they held there, last year and it was great fun. Hopefully, they will be able to have another one next year! They also, regularly, have quiz nights and great music, from local musicians- definitely worth a visit, or two!

For more things to see and do in Christchurch,Mudeford and the rest of Dorset, check out the Dorset Guide Here are some ideas for places to stay in Christchurch & Mudeford, Booking.com has a good range of options

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Brighton

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Brighton- It’s a colourful, vibrant, cosmospolitan, creative place. Which is probably why many writers, musicians, artists and ‘foodies’ are attracted to this area! According to the Visit Brighton guide, it is “Often voted the happiest place in the UK, the city offers a fantastic mix of Regency heritage, fabulous shopping, funky arts and music, beachfront cool and year round festivals and events” I do love Brighton. The beach is pebbly so be careful, if you are walking barefoot, whilst you’re here!

Food an Drink:

Some of my favourite places to eat in Brighton are Polpo, Bistro@Hotel du Vin and Terre à Terre. Polpo is a bacaro – a Venetian word to describe a back-street wine bar that serves small plates of delicious seafood, meaty snacks and simple delicacies from the Veneto region of northern Italy- great if, like me, you love small portions with lots of different flavours! It has an authentic, Venetian feel. The Bistro@Hotel du Vin has a nice French vibe about it. They serve classic French & modern British food and their Sommelier can recommend the perfect wine to pair a particular dish, if you need some advice. Terre à Terre, in the Lanes, may be a vegetarian restaurant, but everyone I’ve been there with (even the hardcore carnivores) love this place! The flavours of the food are delicious. The late food critic,  AA Gill reviewed the restaurant, saying that Terre a Terre “probably the best vegetarian restaurant in Britain” and he was very sceptical at first as he was definitely not a veggie! For more places to eat and drink in Brighton Visit Brighton guide

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Things to see and do:

The Brighton Royal Pavilion was built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China, it’s a must-see! The can check out the lavish interiors & gardens of the estate. You can book tickets on the Brighton Museums website. For a bit of family fun, on the beach, check out the Brighton Palace Pier. It offers, attractions, rides, entertainment an restaurants, for the whole family. You can check it out here: Brighton Palace Pier For something a bit different, The Lanes in Brighton are full of vintage gear, antiques and jewellery – an eclectic mix, all brought together around a historic network of narrow city streets. Great for shopping or just exploring, the area is full of character and plenty of independent cafes to unwind in. Here’s are some guides for shopping and food & drink in The Lanes. For more things to see and do in Brighton, including guided tours, check out Get your Guide’s list which includes a visit to the British Airways i360 observation tower where you enjoy a smooth ride up 138 meters in a futuristic glass viewing pod and take in panoramic views of Brighton and the South Coast.

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Places to stay:

Check out the Visit Brighton guide to luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, hostels, campsites or funky stays here!

There are so many other coastal locations in the UK & Ireland – this post would go on for ever, if I tried to include them all! Here is a complete guide to all these amazing beaches The Beach Guide or for a book that you can take with you on your travels, in paperback or kindle, check out Around the Coast in 80 days by travel writer, Peter Naldrett

I hope you found this post useful if you a planning a beach staycation. Remember to keep save and check on any Coronavirus updates before you travel and remember to check that any of the hotels, restaurants, bars and any other places, you are planning to visit, are now open after Lockdown. Most will have this information on their websites. Feel free to leave a comment below, including any of your own recommendations for UK beach staycations!