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UK staycation properties: 5 of our favourite holiday rentals and hotels | UK | Travel

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Top-recommended UK staycations

The White House

Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa

Sunnyside

Mallory Court Country House hotel

Mallory Court Country House hotel and spa is a beautiful hotel in the Warwickshire countryside (Image: Mallory Court Country House hotel and spa)

Summer is in full swing, and though many people might be looking for the or there are plenty of stunning holiday hotspots right here in the UK.

Whether you want to while away a week by one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches or prefer to escape into the rolling hills of the Great British countryside, there is all manner of cosy B&Bs, boutique hotels and holiday cottages to choose from.

But with so much diversity in the growing UK staycation market, it can be hard to decide exactly where to visit and which type of accommodation is right for you. 

With so much diversity, it can be hard to decide exactly where to visit…that’s why we’ve selected some of our favourites

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favourite UK staycations, which have been experienced and reviewed by our team of experts, to give you an insight into exactly what to expect.

Below, you’ll find more information on all of the UK holiday accommodations listed above. Scroll for our complete staycation guide or use the links above to jump to the relevant section.

1.The White House

Though this quaint Camber Sands cottage might look unassuming at first, behind its doors sits an idyllic seaside escape which wouldn’t look out of place in the Hamptons.

The White weatherboard property is true to its name, a bright white space filled with vintage furniture pieces and pastel-hued soft furnishings.

The cottage sleeps up to 10 people across four bedrooms, including three double bedrooms and a children’s-only bunkbed room complete with its own little library shelf.

The self-catering stay boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, perfect for whipping up family dinners. In the summer months, meals can be enjoyed on the large decking area outside in the garden.

The garden at the white house

The White House has a beautiful garden perfect for al fresco dining and relaxing (Image: The White House, Camber Holiday Cottages)

Throw open the double doors, which line the full rear of the house, and allow the fresh air to circulate. Though the house is perfectly suited for summer, there’s also a log burner for chillier days, and a classic roll-top bath begging to be sank into after a wintery walk on the beach.

Though the cottage isn’t located on the shorefront, a private gate allows access over the dunes, meaning you can reach the rolling waves in a matter of minutes.

Lead pricing starts from £1,730 for three nights, though prices can vary throughout the year.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, .

2. Mallory Court Country House

Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa is an idyllic British country house retreat set within the greenery and woodlands of the Warwickshire countryside.

The hotel and spa itself is tucked away in 10 acres of private land, consisting of a herb and rose garden, and seemingly endless rolling hills, perfect for a golden hour stroll.

The main hotel is the star attraction, but the historic house, built in 1916, is beautifully complemented by the modern Elan Spa. 

Exterior of Mallory Court Country House hotel

Mallory Court Country House hotel is a beautiful property with historic features (Image: Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa)

Guests can book themselves in for a relaxing treatment at the spa, enjoy a dip in the hydrotherapy swimming pool, or make the most of the salt sauna, steam room and thermal suite.

The hotel is home to 43 rooms with their own unique view of the surrounding land. Guests can also dine in the dining room, which has earned three AA Rosettes.

Prices vary based on the season, day of the week and room type though all are inclusive of breakfast. Doubles vary between £135 and £195 per night, with master suites ranging between £265 and £450 per night.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, .

 

3. Sunnyside

Located just a stone’s throw from the rolling sand dunes of Camber Sands beach sits Sunnyside, a cottage filled with an array of retro treasures curated by its art-loving owners.

The quaint property is located on a sandy lane of beach houses, though sits out from its counterparts thanks to eye-catching black cladding.

With Camber Sands having , this cosy cottage is the perfect home-away-from-home for those hoping for a sunny seaside escape. Sunnyside can sleep up to six adults across three bedrooms and is also dog-friendly.

The sun deck at Sunnyside

The private sun deck is one of the highlights of Sunnyside (Image: Sunnyside / Camber Holiday Cottages)

The cottage firmly routes guests by the sea, with nautical-themed decorative features including porthole-shaped mirrors in the bedroom and a quirky boat-inspired bar.

The outdoor space is perhaps one of the greatest assets of this home, with a huge grassy lawn perfect for garden games and a private sundeck ideal for soaking up the summer rays.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, .

4. Luccombe Hall Hotel

Sat on a clifftop at the edge of charming Shanklin Old Village, on the Isle of Wight, is Luucombe Hall Hotel, a family-run hotel with a homey feel.

Though it maintains many original, traditional features, the hotel also offers enough modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

There are several room types to choose from, including executive suites, standard rooms, sea-facing balcony rooms, family rooms, and four exclusive superior garden rooms each with a private hot tub. 

Seaside view from Luucome Hall Hotel

Luccombe Hall Hotel offers beautiful coastal views (Image: Luccombe Hall Hotel)

From here, you can soak in the tub while taking in the stunning seaside views. The interior decor pays homage to the nearby sands, decorated in soothing hues of grey, green, blue and white.

Bishop’s Bar and the GrandView Restaurant come off the entrance hall, where guests can enjoy an evening drink or a delicious fully-cooked breakfast in the morning. The hotel even has a large games room and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.

Double or twin rooms start at £90 per night. Superior Garden Rooms with hot tub start at £210 per night.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, .

5. The View on the Terrace

The View on the Terrace sits just 10 metres from Weymouth seafront, ran by couple Bill and Ali. Just six minutes from Weymouth train station, this family-run B&B is easy to access for those who don’t have a car.

If you prefer a quiet and cosy stay, compared with larger hotels, this is a great option – home to four exclusive rooms each named after animals including the Flamingo Room, the Rhino Room, the Stag Room and the Beetle Room. 

For those looking to soak up the sea view, the Flamingo, Rhino, and Stag rooms all look out to the rolling tides. Meanwhile, those in the Beetle room can look out each day to the picturesque courtyard.

View on the Terrace exterior

The View on the Terrace is located opposite the beach (Image: View on the Terrace)

Downstairs, Ali heads up the kitchen each morning, whipping up a full menu of breakfast options, including vegetarian and vegan offerings.

The menu can also be altered to suit dietary requirements. However, as is the case with B&Bs, all other meals are on a self-catering basis.

Guests can only book their stay on The View on The Terrace website for a minimum of two nights, starting at £220 for the Beetle Room. Rates increase for the Flamingo Room to £240, whereas the Rhino and Stag Rooms (which have the Super King beds) cost £260 for two nights.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, .



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The beautiful little Greek island way off the tourist map and almost halfway to Italy | Travel News | Travel

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A beautiful little Greek island is way off the tourist map and close to Italy. Othonoi is a small inhabited island in the Ionian Sea, located northwest of Corfu, and is the westernmost point of Greece. 

It is the largest and most populated of the Diapontian Islands and is also known as Calypso Island, in reference to Homer’s The Odyssey. The enchanting nymph who lives on the island keeps Odysseus captive for seven years, preventing him from returning to his wife.

Ammos is the most populous settlement and has a number of restaurants, cafes, markets, and hotels. The rest of the island consists mainly of villages that are little more than a cluster of houses.

Most beaches on the island are accessible by boat, including Molos, Kamini, Kanoula, Kontoskes, and Aspri Ammos. Many have white sands and turquoise waters to enjoy..

Othonoi is well-known for underwater photography because of the peculiar geomorphology of the seabed and the many caves. Other points of interest are the Cave of Calypso, Moshopontikas, Xylosermi, and Fyki Bay (where the sunken wreck of the Sarah ship is located).

The walking trail was created by the first inhabitants. Visitors can now use it to reach almost every part of the island on foot, including Mount Imerovigli, the highest peak of the island at over 390 metres, with views of the other Diapontian Islands, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea.

The island is almost completely covered by 300-year-old trees that produce a small species of olive, the “Elea the cherry”. This olive produces the high-quality oil common in all the Ionian Islands. 

Othonoi can only be accessed by ferry from Corfu, which runs a few times weekly and takes three hours. There are also services from Agios Stefanos, which take one hour and go to the other Diapontian islands.



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Brits in these European countries risk £2,560 fine if they don’t pack 1 item in boot | Travel News | Travel

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If you’re planning a road trip to Europe this summer, make sure you’re not caught out by local laws that could land you with fines of up to £2,560. Each European country has its own legal requirements for what drivers must carry in their vehicles and being unaware of these could cost you a lot. According to Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, checking your rental vehicle is properly equipped before hitting the road is crucial.

Not having a motorway toll sticker, for example, could cost you up £2,560 in various countries like Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia and Slovakia. These can be bought before entering toll roads and though some rental companies include these in the hire agreement, this is not always the case so make sure you check with your provider before taking the wheel. 

In most European countries, you’ll need a warning triangle and failing to have one could lead to some big fines. 

In serious cases, failing to carry a warning triangle or a reflective safety vest could result in fines of up to £640 in France, according to the French government website.

If you wear prescription glasses, you may also be legally required to carry an spare pair while driving in some countries.

Legal in several countries and always a smart idea, a first-aid kit must meet specific local standards.

In Germany, for instance, it must comply with the DIN 13164 regulation.

Pre-packed kits are available and typically include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, scissors, and emergency blankets.

Before hitting the road this summer, double-check the rules in each country you’re visiting to stay compliant with local driving laws.

Failing to meet these requirements could lead to hefty fines or even make your vehicle unroadworthy.



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The beautiful Spanish city 40 minutes from Barcelona with 7m fewer tourists | Travel News | Travel

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Spain is no stranger to tourism, and few cities attract the crowds quite like Barcelona. With its world-famous architecture, beaches, and cultural landmarks, it drew a staggering 7.3 million overnight visitors in 2023, according to the city’s hotel occupancy survey.

But just 40 minutes away by train, there’s another Catalan gem waiting to be explored, Girona, a historic and vibrant city that welcomed just 342,600 overnight visitors in 2023. That’s over 7 million fewer tourists, making Girona the perfect getaway for travellers craving authenticity, beauty, and breathing room.

Girona might not boast the global fame of its bigger neighbour, but it has a quiet magic that’s all its own. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, the city is known for its incredibly preserved medieval architecture, cobbled alleyways, and the iconic pastel-colored houses that line the Onyar River.

Wander through the Barri Vell (Old Town), and you’ll find yourself stepping into a storybook. The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

You can climb the old city walls for panoramic views, stroll along the ancient Roman Via Augusta, or visit the Girona Cathedral, whose wide stone staircase has become a favourite Instagram backdrop (and a Game of Thrones filming location, for fans of the show).

Despite its modest size and laid-back vibe, Girona punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

The city is a pilgrimage site for foodies, thanks in part to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked the best restaurant in the world.

But you don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred spot to enjoy Girona’s culinary scene. From local bakeries serving fresh xuixos (a sugar-dusted, custard-filled pastry) to family-run restaurants dishing up botifarra and suquet de peix, Girona is a place where flavours are both rooted in tradition and fearlessly creative.

Girona’s charm is amplified by how easy it is to reach. A high-speed AVE train from Barcelona takes just 38 minutes, and there’s even an airport nearby that connects to other European cities. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, picturesque, and welcoming.

Whether you’re looking to spend a quiet weekend among medieval streets or base yourself somewhere peaceful while exploring Catalonia, Girona offers a little bit of everything, with none of the stress.



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