With ongoing uncertainty around holidays abroad, 2021 is a great year for a staycation and now is the perfect time to plan a visit to the best UK holiday destinations. Both the environment and your wallet will thank you. It is the perfect opportunity to leave the city routine life and escape to nature, where you can go for hikes, explore rocky trails and caves and take a dip in the refreshing waterfalls and lakes. In this article, we’ve listed the best green staycation destinations in the UK for 2021 and thereafter.
Inverness, Scotland
As the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a very convenient location for a staycation as it includes some of Scotland’s most sublime scenery. Loch Ness is perhaps the most famous Scottish lochs is located just a short drive away. Furthermore, the UK’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, is also close by, which contains a quarter of Scotland’s forests, five of the UK’s highest mountains, 55 fantastic munros (mountains over 3,000ft), heather moorlands, lochs, castles and waterfalls. In addition to this, you can take the Jacobite steam train, aka the Hogwarts Express. The Highlands truly have it all and are full of real natural treasures. There are many accommodation options when it comes to Inverness ranging from lovely hotels to peaceful remote eco cottages.
Keswick, Cumbria
The medieval market town of Keswick is perfect for a blissful staycation spent exploring the Lake District. Keswick was founded in the 18th century. Hence, one of Kseswick’s most famous attractions, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is up to 5,000 years old and the town’s market has been trading since the 1200s. The region’s must-see location is Derwentwater lake. From here you can hire a rowboat or take a cruise on a steamer. In this gorgeous natural area, you can spend the day hiking the eight-mile perimeter path or climb up the slopes of the nearby Skiddaw. For rainy days, there is the Pencil Museum, home to the largest colouring pencil in the world, and the Puzzling Place, filled with interactive optical illusions. Regarding accommodation, there is a handful of lovely environmental-friendly cottages in the area you can choose from!
Peak District
The Peak District is England’s first National Parks, spreading out over five counties in the North of England. The Peaks offer some of the most varied landscapes in England and includes everything from rolling hills and caves to striking rock formations as well as the best areas to hike. Moreover, Winnat’s Pass, Chrome Hill or Derwent Edge have the most breathtaking views. Over a third of the area is protected for nature conservation as it is home to rich biodiversity, social and cultural history. Interestingly, in the Peaks you can come across red deers in the autumn, white mountain hares in winter, and the rare and enigmatic ‘mountain blackbird’ (the ring ouzel). In the heart of Peak District is located the Chatsworth House, the country house used to represent Mr Darcy’s home in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Additionally, the Peaks include the most beautiful villages with traditional pubs where you can enjoy a pint of Yorkshires finest and some great food. Around the area, there are plentiful eco options for accommodation.
North Wales
North Wales is where you'll find some of the most attractive UK holiday destinations. The Snowdonia National Park is the most popular sight in the area and offers amazing views from Mount Snowdon. You can take a ride up on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, (1,085 metres) which provides you with a panoramic view, and was voted the best in Britain. Betws-y-coed is a magnificent area that showcases Britain’s natural beauty, as it includes the scenic Gwydyr Forest and Swallow Falls. One of the most captivating local treasures is Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun in Welsh) which is a serene forest area featuring hiking trails and a stream with picture-perfect cascades. North Wales is the perfect location to book an eco-friendly cottage to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of North Wales. Another great attraction is the Portmeirion, the Italian-style village with colourful buildings. However, there is a fee for entering this village.
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are famous for some of the most picturesque villages that you will find! Villages such as: Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury, are one of the most photographed villages in the country. Covering 800 square miles of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, you can only imagine how much there is to explore - from 'England's prettiest village' Castle Combe to the gardens of Prince Charles' private residence Highgrove House. You could never run out of things to do in the Cotswolds! The Cotswold hills cover a vast area of natural beauty, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions, which makes it perfect for a memorable holiday. Some of the regions top attractions include: St James’ Church, Rollright Stones Monuments, Cotswold Water Park and Cotswold Wildlife Park. Additionally, when visiting the Cotswold you must pay a visit to the magnificent Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is Sir Winton Churchill birthplace as well as visiting the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water located next to the River Windrush.
We hope this article inspired you to book a lovely green staycation this summer. Don’t forget to take your Doodle Bag with you on holiday and take a picture & tags us on Instagram with the hashtag #DoodleYourWay
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