Travel

The most relaxing – and photogenic – staycation spots to enjoy in the UK


Need to take a breather? We got you covered (Picture: Getty)

Life can be a lot sometimes, and we all deserve a break. 

While many of us dream of catching a flight to some distant sunny land, there’s a dose of calm waiting on your doorstep too. 

Between work, and finding time for family, friends, hobbies, chores and life admin, it can all be so overwhelming that you need to take a breather. 

We don’t have to tell you that taking a holiday is good for your health and wellbeing, but if you are in need of tranquillity, some spots are better than others. 

So, as summer approaches, the experts at PsychicWorld.com put together a list of the UK’s most relaxing spots, to take a breather and snap some beautiful pictures. 

Snowdonia National Park

Llyn (Lake) Idwal and the peak of Pen yr Ole Wen in the distance, Snowdonia National Park
(Picture: Getty/Alan Novelli)

Snowdonia tops this list for one simple reason – it is absolutely gorgeous. And it’s not too tricky to get to, either. You can walk down the Afon Goedol stream to find some dreamy ancient woodlands, with all the wildlife that call it home.

This used to be a popular place for slate miners working in the Blaenau quarries, but is now much quieter. 

Once you’ve taken some deep breaths in the woodland and snapped some pics, you can head back up the hill using the cute Ffestiniog steam train

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Old Man Of Storr is breathtakingly beautiful (Picture: Getty Images)

From Wales, over to Scotland. Second on the list is the idyllic Isle of Skye. 

Coming from London, you can get a train to Inverness or Glasgow, but the cheapest option is to fly to one of these Scottish cities and then get a coach the rest of the way. 

When there, you will be blown away by stunning views of the Scottish landscape. Drink in the numerous beaches, pools, and take yourself on a less popular hike to get away from the crowds that flock there. 

While you could enjoy the beautiful Instagrammable routes like Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, and the Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche, if you want to take a breather away from hordes of people, you’re better off choosing the 79 mile (125 km) Skye Trail

Lewes, Sussex 

Take a wander up Chapel Hill (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Much further south, we have the town of Lewes in East Sussex. 

This town is filled with many hidden woodlands, offering ample opportunities for peaceful walks alongside the river or across the hills of the South Downs.

Seven Sisters, East Sussex Coast

Seven Sisters has chalky cliffs that rival the more famous cliffs of Dover (Picture: Getty Images)

Also in Sussex is the stunning Seven Sister Coast, with its chalky cliffs and sea eroded hills this is a popular destination for families, walkers and couples alike. 

It’s designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ for a reason. 

You can get here within a couple of hours from London, making it perfect for a day trip or a short weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Rutland, Leicestershire

Normanton Church sits by Rutland water
(Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There’s plenty to see and do in the Northern county of Rutland, one of the UK’s smallest counties.

What it lacks in size it makes up for its beauty, with Rutland Water offering plenty of opportunities for watersports, cycling, fishing and bird watching. 

You can also take a stroll through Rutland’s many quaint little villages, with postcard-perfect cottages and traditional pubs. 

In Oakham, there’s even a gorgeous castle.  

Ilkley, Yorkshire

Beautiful heather on the Cow Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor
(Picture: Getty Images)

The beautiful town of Ilkley in the Wharfe Valley in the southern part of the Yorkshire Dales is renowned for its fresh air – something that’s worth taking a weekend off for if you live in a big city. 

The town is also famous for its beautiful moors, which you’ll find covered in gorgeous heather, which are perfect to take a stroll through. 

You can refuel and relax with some afternoon tea at the well known Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms, and be sure to visit while one of its regular fresh markets are on.

North York Moors,Yorkshire

Roseberry Topping, a famous hill in the North York Moors
(Picture: Getty Images)

Nearby, in north-eastern Yorkshire, you’ll find North York Moors National Park. It’s home to 44,000 hectares of heather moorland, making it one of the biggest in the UK.  

It’s a truly special place. You’ll find the Moorland Merlin, the UK’s smallest bird of prey, and no lens than 800 Scheduled Monuments and 1,500 ancient boundary stones and crosses.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s even  26 miles of coastline to walk, with whales living in the water below and a picturesque fishing village nearby. 

Finally, this is the perfect spot to look up and remember what the sky looks like when it’s not clouded with pollution. The skies are so dark and clear that you may be lucky enough to see more than 2,000 stars, including part of the Milky Way.

North Berwick, Scotland

Festivals are regularly held here (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61)

Another escape from the city centre is North Berwick, situated just 30 minutes from Edinburgh.

Come here if beaches are your thing, as they are rarely overcrowded. Take a peek in one of the many rockpools and soak in the views of Bass Rock before stopping for lunch in one of the village cafes. 

If you fancy it, you can hike to the top of North Berwick Law. It’s a little like Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, but less well known. 

Iona, Inner Hebrides

This Abbey was home to Irish monks in the Middle Ages
(Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Inner Hebrides are the island which lies off the western coast of Scotland. The most accessible of these islands is Mull, which has some stunning beaches, castles and coastline. 

But for the real treat, you should enjoy Mull before catching the ferry to Iona. 

This tiny island has been a religious centre since Irish monks colonised it in the early Middle Ages. 

You can still see evidence of that today, with monastic ruins and enormous stone crosses dotted around the island. 

Since it is a bit tricky to get to, Iona was voted one of the quietest places in the by Lonely Planet, making it an ideal destination if you’re desperately seeking silence. 

River Avon, Somerset

The Pulteney Bridge dates back to the 18th century (Picture: Getty Images)

Rounding off the list is the River Avon in Somerset, an easily accessible but beautiful place to visit for the day. 

Head up Troopers Hill, in St George for beautiful views over the River Avon and a place to have a quiet moment of contemplation. 

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