JUMP TO…
Although this summer hasn’t exactly delivered on the weather, Britons are still desperate to spend the day at the seaside, according to new Tripadvisor data. And with the August Bank Holiday weekend upon us, what better time than to pay a visit to one of the best attractions in the country or visit one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK.
According to new data from Tripadvisor, this year’s most popular destination is a gorgeous coastal hotspot, but Britons might be surprised to learn it isn’t in Cornwall or Devon. Data released by the review site revealed that several of the most popular staycation destinations for the Bank Holiday weekend are seaside towns.
According to Tripadvisor, over 80 percent of Britons are travelling this summer with two in five planning more trips than last year. If you are planning a staycation before the summer is over, there are also plenty of amazing hotels, holiday cottages, rentals and B&Bs to choose from in some of the nation’s top-rated destinations.
Scroll down to find out where Britons are heading this Bank Holiday weekend and which seaside town is topping the list, or click on the links to jump to the relevant section.
Buy a digital Railcard online with Trainline and store it directly in the Trainline app, so you can use it right away to get 1/3 off eligible journeys for a whole year.
1. Dawlish, Devon
Topping the list in the number one spot is Dawlish, one of Devon’s prettiest seaside towns. The traditional seaside resort has a wonderful golden sand beach just steps away from the town.
As is often the case with British seaside towns, the beach has an array of amusements to entertain the whole family.
A tourist ‘Sundayluncher22’, who visited Dawlish Warren Beach, wrote on Tripadvisor: “Beautiful sandy beach, great waves, lots of cafes, clean toilets and great rides for children and teenagers.”
But it’s not just beaches awaiting tourists in Dawlish. The town is also home to the famous Black Swans which can be spotted relaxing at The Brook.
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is just under two miles away, complete with rolling sand dunes and is described as a bird watcher’s paradise.
The South Devon Railway Line runs through Dawlish, a stretch of rail line that is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in Britain. The track runs along the coast from Exeter to Newton Abbot, offering gorgeous views of the Exe Estuary and out to sea.
According to Booking.com reviews, the best hotel in Dawlish is Langstone Cliff Hotel. This family-run hotel boasts magnificent views over the golden sandy beaches and Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve and has been given a three-star rating.
You can book a standard room at Langstone Cliff Hotel from £111 per night.
2. King’s Lynn, Norfolk
A historic port town, King’s Lynn is famed for its cobbled lanes and pretty marketplaces, making it the perfect place for a weekend of wandering.
Tourists looking to learn more about the town’s unique history could pay a visit to Castle Rising, one of the UK’s best-preserved keeps which dates back to 1138.
The town is also home to one of England’s largest surviving medieval Guildhall. Shakespeare is even rumoured to have performed there. You can plan your visit to St George’s Guildhall with National Trust.
Not too far from the historic port town is Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat of the Royal Family. On certain days throughout the year, you can actually pay a visit to the Royal Estate and enjoy a countryside stroll.
There are plenty of local hotels and boutique stays within King’s Lynn, including a Travelodge where you can bag a cheap stay from as little as £34. But, if you want to get the absolute best deals at this Travelodge (and other locations) you’ll want to act fast.
If you’re looking for somewhere more luxurious to stay, Booking.com customers have named Fairlight Lodge as their top “luxury hotel” in King’s Lynn. Couples, in particular, rate the trip highly for a two-person stay – giving it a score of 9.3. You can book a stay at Fairlight Lodge with Booking.com.
3. Seahouses, Northumberland
A large village on the Northumberland coast, Seahouses is the perfect staycation destination for tourists looking for a traditional seaside break.
The pretty village is the ideal base to explore Northumberland’s coastline, whether that’s a trip to top-rated Bamburgh Beach or a visit to sweeping Budle Bay.
Seahouses is also home to some of Northumberland’s best fish and chips. At Swallow Fish Smokehouse, tourists can sample some of the town’s famous smoked kippers and the site has been in operation for nearly 200 years.
If you do fancy a day trip from Seahouses, you can drive over to Holy Island – just make sure you check the tide times before you go. The tidal island offers some tremendous views of the surrounding area, and is also home to a handful of quaint shops and cosy pubs.
While Seahouses is home to a selection of smaller hotels and B&Bs, it’s also a great place to camp, bring a touring caravan or rent a holiday home-away-from-home.
Farne Island B&B was voted the best accommodation in the area by travellers who have previously enjoyed a holiday. You can view prices and book a stay at Farne Island B&B here, or use Booking.com to search for other top-rated hotels in the area.
4. Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
If nature’s top of the bucket list, there’s no better destination than Aviemore, a town at the heart of Scotland’s beautiful Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore is ideally placed to explore the park’s highlights, whether that’s mountain trails, ancient forest or secluded lochs. Tourists can have a go at canyoning, head out on a mountain bike or even go white water tubing.
The Cairngorms are alive with wildlife and tourists are in with a good chance of spotting red deer, osprey and pine marten if they keep their eyes peeled.
The village is also a great base for families with lots of award-winning attractions in the village and surrounding area, including Strathspey Steam Railway, Rothiemurchus Estate, and Cairngorm Mountain.
Aviemore has a selection of small shops, restaurants, cafes and bars in the village. If you’re looking to book an extra special home-away-from-home in the nearby area, Sykes Holiday Cottages has a number of properties to rent – including some with hot tubs.
5. Brodick, Isle of Arran
Another Scottish highlight, Brodick is usually the first destination for tourists arriving on the Isle of Arran by ferry. Overlooked by Goatfell Peak, the village is the perfect base to explore the island.
Tourists will find a range of restaurants on the village’s main road and it’s also home to an 18-hole golf course as well as a sandy beach.
History fans can get to grips with the Isle’s past at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum or check out the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, Brodick Castle.
At the most northerly point of the island are the ruins of Lochranza Castle which was once thought to be a 16th-century country house, however, has since been discovered to be a 1200-1330s hall house. From here you can enjoy some incredible views across the loch.
Most of the accomodation options on the island are quaint, with a number of holiday cottages to rent out.
Machrie Farm Cottage is a cosy abode located next to a tranquil forest, which can sleep up to five people across three bedrooms and is also pet-friendly.
Search dates and find a deal on a stay at Machrie Farm Cottage with HolidayCottages.co.uk.
6. Hayle, Cornwall
A pretty town in west Cornwall, Hayle is just seven miles north of Penzance and is even home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Cornish Mining Landscape. Hayle has three miles of beaches and is a renowned surfing destination.
If that’s not quite enough beach, St Ives is a six-mile walk away. Tourists looking for a challenge could head out on the 12-mile walk to Portreath, which passes Mutton Cove, famous for its seals.
Cornwall is a fantastic spot for a holiday thanks to its stunning surroundings, offering lots of beaches and countryside hotspots. As a result, there is a huge selection of hotels and B&Bs to choose from, as well as caravan parks, space for camping and holiday rentals.
Sykes Holiday Cottages has a number of homes to choose from, including luxury stays and budget-friendly rentals for as little as £245 for seven nights.
7. Douglas, Isle of Man
The capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas is the largest town on the island. Tourists can check out the Manx Museum, which has Viking Gold collections.
Children will love the Isle of Man Steam Railway which stretches from Douglas all the way to Port Erin with stunning views of the island.
Tourists can also visit the mystical Old Fairy Bridge where local children used to leave gifts for the island’s fay folk.
There are plenty of cosy hotels in the area to choose from, but according to holidaymakers, Loft Eleven, a New York-style loft, has been voted one of the “best luxury properties” in the area, with a score of 9.7 on Booking.com.
Or, if you prefer a family-friendly stay, there are plenty of great hotels and self-catering properties. You can search for a cottage on the Isle of Wight with Sykes Holiday Cottages.
8. Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
A beautiful Pembrokeshire village, Saundersfoot was the most popular destination in Wales with British tourists. Located close to Tenby, the village sits on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Saundersfoot Beach is a wide, sandy beach that’s very popular with families due to its ideal swimming conditions.
The village’s harbour is an attractive spot with plenty of great places to eat and drink and pretty beach views.
The Imperial Dragon Hotel has been ranked as one of the best hotels in Pembrokeshire, and described as “fabulous” by Booking.com customers.
It’s a great option if you want to be surrounded by stunning natural surroundings, with National Trust countryside on your doorstep.
9. Skipton, North Yorkshire
The historic market town of Skipton is one of Yorkshire’s best gems. Tourists can check out Skipton Castle or explore the town’s outdoor market.
Families can join a canal boat tour to explore the town’s highlights from the water or grab a pork pie, a town speciality.
Skipton’s a great shopping destination with plenty of quirky boutiques tucked away down its alleys and side streets.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, B&B The Curious Fox is one of the best places to stay in the area.
If you prefer to stay somewhere a little off the beaten track, Sykes Holiday Cottages has a number of quirky stays in the surrounding area, including Shepherd’s Huts and cosy cabins.
Buy a digital Railcard online with Trainline and store it directly in the Trainline app, so you can use it right away to get 1/3 off eligible journeys for a whole year.
READ NEXT:
- Flight attendant’s ‘biggest hack ever’ to save suitcase space
- Cruise passengers are raving about ‘must-have’ item to ‘upgrade’ your cabin
- ‘Incredibly beautiful’ seaside town crowned best in Wales
- 5 stunning UK staycations to book right now
- Art’otel Battersea Review
Source: Read Full Article