It’s no secret – we all need to take a break every once in a while, but we don’t always have the time (or the money) to jet off to some sun-soaked paradise. Planning a trip abroad takes time, money and effort. With this in mind, it seems a shame that we don’t take advantage of what’s right on our doorstep.
So, as Summer slowly draws to an end, we’ll take a look indulgent ways to take a break, plan a staycation with style, and even go on holiday, without going on holiday at all.
Plan A Rural Retreat
Great Britain has some of the most stunning countryside; from national parks, to stunning woodlands.
So instead of pining for the sunshine of a faraway place, why not take advantage of mother England for a last-minute summer break – and visit the beautiful Lake District.
Go hiking on one of the many popular hiking trails, or cycling around lake windermere – the lake district is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors. But, if you’d rather not be at the mercy of the weather, there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve hiking, cycling, or anything else where you might end up in a torrential downpour (this is England, after all).
A trip to Kendal is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, taking advantage of the many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a slice of Kendal mint cake in its purest form, or if you’re a self-proclaimed chocoholic – take a trip to the famous Chocolate House and sample one (or 10) of the 95 different kinds of chocolate on offer.
Soak Up The Seaside
If a rural retreat isn’t your cup of tea, then maybe a trip to the coast will satisfy your yearning for sun, sand and sea. While Great Britain doesn’t guarantee great weather – one thing you can be certain of is that we have some rather stunning coastlines.
The south of England is usually top of the list when it comes to Britain’s best beaches, but if you head up north you might be pleasantly surprised. The northern seaside town of Whitby is a great spot to take a break, boasting historic sites, beaches, shops, cafes – ticking all the boxes for a traditional British seaside getaway. If you do choose to stay in this lovely seaside town, the Marine Hotel should be top of your list – boasting gorgeous views of the harbour – and fantastic seafood served all day.
Take a walk along the pier, go to the beach, and stop by the The Fisherman’s Wife for fish and chips – or if you’d like a more refined lunch experience you can dine in the Marine restaurant. Let’s face it, lobster thermidor is great at any time of day.
Be A Hometown Tourist
Sometimes we don’t appreciate what’s right on our doorstep. Why not be a tourist in your own home town, or closest city. If you take a moment to view your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, then you might discover that where you live has plenty to offer.
Pick up a tourist information guide from your local tourist information centre, or simply google ‘things to do in (your hometown)’.
This is great for discovering new facts about your own city, and finding hidden gems that you might not have known about before.
Make a list of art galleries, historical sites, top-rated restaurants – or simply any place that you’ve always wanted to visit, and then add that to your weekend itinerary. You’ll probably be amazed at just how much your hometown has to offer.
Have A Spa Day at Home
And finally, if planning a staycation still seems like too much bother – then you could actually take a break without going anywhere at all. With a little bit of forethought you can create a luxury spa experience right from the comfort of your own home.
Even if you’re on a limited budget, it doesn’t matter. Simply designating one day or evening to some self-care and giving yourself time to unwind can help you feel just as relaxed as a break away. Draw a bath, light some candles, put on some music and dedicate this time to you, and only you.
You could even allow your budget to stretch a little, and treat yourself to some beautiful handmade spa essentials (we love this organic vanilla sugar scrub from Precious Cosmetics). Or, for an extra indulgent experience, this candlelit spa in a bag from The Little Picture Company looks like a fun way to treat yourself.
All in all taking a break isn’t about where you go, and it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about dedicating time to yourself, and indulging in some ‘me’ time.
Photo credits: Lake District, Whitby, Windsor Castle, Spa in a bag