To ask if it’s worth having a holiday in the UK?

[TigerLils]

Right, I’ve coped pretty well so far, the past 16 months has been pretty difficult for many and I feel pretty bad about this but I need a holiday. A change of scenery! Some nice weather chilling food and drinks. Obviously it’s limited where you can go at the moment and we are looking at a staycation perhaps (it’s just me and DP) but everything is booked up or seriously overpriced in the UK.

Not sure if it’s worth it but I’m pretty desperate here… ( I need this for my mental health)

Can any of you recommend places to go for a couples getaway in the UK?

And wow to the poster who said the UK is not culturally diverse!

From the East of London to the Western Isles and Barra. Gaelic speaking, Catholic Barra with crucifixes on the side of the road. Hugely diverse. In fact surely the UK must be one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world? You need to travel around the UK more, it’s fabulous ❤️

Well covid restrictions permitting Scotland had loads to offer.
The Scottish highlands - particularly around Loch Ness - are stunning and not too touristy.

Or Edinburgh - loads to see and do. Some world class hotels - the Balmoral, the Glasshouse etc
Dumfries and Galloway is off the beaten track with great walking and beaches…,
And then the Western Isles

And wow to the poster who said the UK is not culturally diverse!

I think you mean me. I didn't say it wasn't culturally 'diverse.' I said going on holiday within the UK will mean that you will largely be experiencing the culture you already know. And you will.

The people may be very culturally diverse in certain areas, mainly cities, but we still have an overriding British culture which is roughly the same the length and the breadth of the UK bar a few regional quirks. Going from Essex to Pembrokeshire is hardly like going from Essex to the Philippines or Tanzania, in terms of completey new and alien experiences is it? You'll still eat a cheese and pickle sandwich for lunch sitting in a pub, or buy at candy floss at the beach, see mostly familiar shops, familiar vehicles and road layouts, familiar forms of public transport, reasonably familiar flora and fauna and mostly hear your own language. A few celtic crosses on the side of the road is hardly a culture shock.

@Skinnytailedsquirrel

How sad, and entitled, that some people feel that the only holiday some people feel is worth having is an overseas one. Please stop calling it a "staycation" it's a holiday and you sound like a spoiled brat if you don't think you can have a fantastic holiday in the UK.

Absolutely this. I hate the word Staycation, as if it isn't a holiday unless it's abroad.

I think there is just as much to study anthropologically in the UK as in the… Philippines. How high-handed and culturally blinkered to believe that gawping at people in far off lands makes you more open minded. Does it hell. One of the most irritating things is when people drawl they like to “travel”. Yep. You like a holiday, just like any other schmuck. Stop dressing it up as something superior.

I love UK holidays, I used to hate them - lots of forced caravan holidays with my brother, 2 dogs, and rowing parents cramped in to a tiny caravan. Awful stuff! But as an adult I've gone on quite a few and it's really opened my eyes to the lovely countryside we have in the UK and they're so much cheaper than going abroad!

The Lake District is my favourite, my partners family has an old caravan up there which is the perfect location for a long weekend in the south lakes - lots of walks and pub lunches with beautiful scenery. We also have some trips to Wales planned. And Devon and Cornwall are fantastic destinations for beach holidays, I wnet camping with some friends there and went body boarding in the sea!

I think it all depends where you go, if you have children, and what standards you have. If you are used to sunny all inclusive in Spain, then no, the UK won't really meet that standard. But if you are happy with a slightly dated cottage in the countryside, lots of fresh air and outdoor activities, then it's perfect!

I’ve has 3 lovely holidays in the UK since COVID, outside meals on the terrace, beautiful beaches, visiting really interesting local attractions and doing activities such as boat trips and paddle boarding, visiting a spa each afternoon or a swim in an outside pool. I was really lucky with the weather each time too, all good so far…the only downside was they were so expensive compared with going abroad.

But if you are happy with a slightly dated cottage in the countryside, lots of fresh air and outdoor activities, then it's perfect!

Or a budget hotel in a historic city with good public transport links.

In the past I've also had very good holidays staying in university accommodation - in normal times a lot of them offer b&b during the vacations.

@NewLifeInTheSouth

And wow to the poster who said the UK is not culturally diverse!

I think you mean me. I didn't say it wasn't culturally 'diverse.' I said going on holiday within the UK will mean that you will largely be experiencing the culture you already know. And you will.

The people may be very culturally diverse in certain areas, mainly cities, but we still have an overriding British culture which is roughly the same the length and the breadth of the UK bar a few regional quirks. Going from Essex to Pembrokeshire is hardly like going from Essex to the Philippines or Tanzania, in terms of completey new and alien experiences is it? You'll still eat a cheese and pickle sandwich for lunch sitting in a pub, or buy at candy floss at the beach, see mostly familiar shops, familiar vehicles and road layouts, familiar forms of public transport, reasonably familiar flora and fauna and mostly hear your own language. A few celtic crosses on the side of the road is hardly a culture shock.

But do holidays have to include a culture shock?

While I think it is good to experience other cultures and ways of life I think it is also important to see and experience your own country.

I also think the subtle cultural differences are interesting. You'll find a whole load of regional dialects, food and traditions if you look for them!

God no, as all those normally taking their holidays in the Costas or wherever beer is cheap, will be holiday in the Uk too.

@IrmaFayLear

I think there is just as much to study anthropologically in the UK as in the… Philippines. How high-handed and culturally blinkered to believe that gawping at people in far off lands makes you more open minded. Does it hell. One of the most irritating things is when people drawl they like to “travel”. Yep. You like a holiday, just like any other schmuck. Stop dressing it up as something superior.

Haha so true!

Of course it is worth having a holiday in the UK.
That is why the UK has so many tourists.

What specific holiday you should have depends on what you like doing.

A London city break offers a wide range of possible world class activities.

Or a visit to York, Edinburgh, or Bath for a quieter yet historic city break.

Then there are countryside areas like the Scottish Islands, the Lake District and Cornwall.

You don't get guaranteed warm weather but plenty of people travel to see the UK regardless.

@Heneage

God no, as all those normally taking their holidays in the Costas or wherever beer is cheap, will be holiday in the Uk too.

Wow there has been a lot of snobbery shown on this thread but you take the top prize

@NewLifeInTheSouth

And wow to the poster who said the UK is not culturally diverse!

I think you mean me. I didn't say it wasn't culturally 'diverse.' I said going on holiday within the UK will mean that you will largely be experiencing the culture you already know. And you will.

The people may be very culturally diverse in certain areas, mainly cities, but we still have an overriding British culture which is roughly the same the length and the breadth of the UK bar a few regional quirks. Going from Essex to Pembrokeshire is hardly like going from Essex to the Philippines or Tanzania, in terms of completey new and alien experiences is it? You'll still eat a cheese and pickle sandwich for lunch sitting in a pub, or buy at candy floss at the beach, see mostly familiar shops, familiar vehicles and road layouts, familiar forms of public transport, reasonably familiar flora and fauna and mostly hear your own language. A few celtic crosses on the side of the road is hardly a culture shock.

The absence of culture shock doesn't mean it's not a holiday though. That may be your preferred holiday but that currently isn't an option. The choices are wait and hope you can travel further afield, not have a holiday or have a UK holiday. If you choose the later you might be surprised - embrace the culture shock of how different it is to your normal holiday or select local specialty dishes or a city break in a foodie destination with a variety of restaurants rather than a cheese sandwich, pick a part of Wales with a high level of Welsh language speakers or seek out what is culturally different in the area you visit and ignore the fact that there are gasp Fords and BMWs in the car park.

Norfolk is fab. You can go boaty on the broads or enjoy vast, empty beaches. Holkham Bay is lovely. And there's seals at Blakeney....

@NewLifeInTheSouth
“A few Celtic Crosses” - You’ve rather brilliantly proven the previous poster’s point that travel overseas doesn’t necessarily broaden the mind - Celtic Crosses and Catholic Crosses are not the same thing.

On a more conciliatory note as I’ve no wish to get into a slanging match (couldn’t let that one go though ) have you visited Scotland at all? It’s very different from the South of England and I’ve never had a cheese and pickle sandwich here. You can even get a deep fried Mars bar and they speak a different language in Glasgow. seriously though it is fab and different. ❤️

It's definitely worth it. I haven't been able to afford to go on an overseas holiday since 2007 so all my holidays have been in the UK. Always had great weather and have seen so much. North Wales, East coast, South West and more, are all so beautiful.

I have been staggered at how many people can't cope with not going abroad for their holidays. I wish they could go - it might make it a bit more affordable for those of us who usually have a staycation

@Biscuitandacuppa

Northumberland is gorgeous, beautiful coastline, moorland, castles, stately homes, seafood, real ales, lovely locals and acres of space. My very favourite place. Plus Gateshead and Edinburgh are both doable for a day trip in bad weather.

This. We went last year (between lockdowns) , never been before and absolutely loved it. Stayed in a caravan and it was lovely.

I absolutely LOVE holidays in Britain, we've visited Scotland, Wales and Nothern Ireland in out time. We are lucky enough to have relatives in West Wales and it's gorgeous, we've also visited Anglesey which is beautiful. DS was overjoyed to see Puffins living on Puffin Island, he loved watching the jellyfish below the surface of the sea.

Cornwall and anywhere there are ancient ruins also grab my attention. I love the history and prehistory of these islands. It's so rich and diverse.

Of course the big issue is the weather but we've always been relatively lucky . We had a heatwave in Scotland when we visited a few years ago, a relative went off to sunnier climbs while sneerig at us, He experienced a hurricane. I tried not to laugh.

We are off to West Wales in August and I can't wait.

I’ve had some lovely holidays in the UK. The weather is not always great but there is considerable diversity in our culture as others say and loads to see and do.

On a slightly divisive note (and fully accept I’m a grumpy guts) I’ve received great customer service in larger hotels and cities in the UK; however it’s a different picture in too many smaller establishments where hospitality workers can be proud graduates of Basil Fawlty School of customer service.

Yes I’ve worked in long hours in hospitality for NMW, yes paying customers can be foul, but unlike us serving staff in Europe’s towns and villages often offer a better customer service.

For me, a holiday is a holiday whether it's in the UK or abroad. It means I am away from home.
A Staycation on the other hand, is time off work but staying at home and having days out.

Personally I think it’s well worth it and have always enjoyed a domestic holiday. I love going abroad but the U.K. has lots to offer.

In terms of destinations, some places Ive been within the last couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed are:

• the North York Moors;
• the Suffolk coast (particularly around Southwold and Walberswick);
• the North Devon coast.

Obviously, none of those are exactly underrated hidden gems but we really did have a lovely time in each of those places.

In the last few years I’ve had fantastic holidays in Norfolk, central Northumberland, Cornwall and Dorset. I also love Edinburgh, York and Harrogate for city breaks. We’ve mainly had great weather (Norfolk was 28+ every day for a week). We also go abroad as often as we can but I enjoy the UK holidays just as much. I think this year accommodation is very expensive and some places will be very overcrowded but if you choose a destination carefully based on what you want, it’s definitely worth going on holiday in the UK. We’ve just booked a week in Anglesey for September and I can’t wait!

I think it all depends where you go, if you have children, and what standards you have. If you are used to sunny all inclusive in Spain, then no, the UK won't really meet that standard. But if you are happy with a slightly dated cottage in the countryside, lots of fresh air and outdoor activities, then it's perfect!

Not all holiday cottages are dated! Where are some of these opinions formed?! And if youre talking all inclusive, it's most likely a shit 2 hotel, 3 at a push! And you're
talking about a cottage as if it's a downgrade? 😂

Depends what you book doesnt it. I dontbook high end cottages but the ones I do don't tend to be "dated."