By Matt Rogan
Just bought your sustainable swimwear and eco-friendly sunscreen but have nowhere to go? If you’re looking for a late summer holiday or an early autumn retreat, look no further…
In compliance with new lockdown measures, holiday-goers are having to look closer to home for their annual getaway – but it’s not all that bad. Low in travel emissions and a boost for domestic tourism, the Great British staycation is a win for both the environment and the economy. As a nation that cherishes its limited summer, we’re swapping countries for counties. So, with this in mind, we’ve scoured the internet to find the most weird and wonderful staycations on offer right now.
Lost Meadow Treepods
Where: Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
How much: Treepod for two from £105 per night
WOW factor: These spherical Treepod nests offer a unique retreat from the outside world. Suspended three metres above the ground, you’ll be able stargaze in the comfort of your very own private cedar-clad bubble. Even better, the pods are made of sustainable, recyclable and organic materials and the cables that balance them are attached to the outer layer of the tree. This is done to enhance, rather than detract, from the natural landscape they occupy.
Hex Cottage
Where: Sibton, Suffolk
How much: One night from £196
WOW factor: Within the 18th century 4500-acre Suffolk estate, you’ll find this dainty thatched cottage that boasts rustic charm. It is pet-friendly, remote and even electricity-free (it is lit by candlelight and an open hearth fire only). As you step back in time to an era without internet (yes, really), you’ll find yourself admiring the character of this forester’s cottage. Designed in contemporary décor and set against a rural backdrop of lakes and wilderness, Hex Cottage is the answer to your romantic fairy-tale adventure.
Cley Windmill
Where: Cley next the Sea, Norfolk
How much: £79.50 to £122.50 per person, per night
WOW factor: Far from your conventional B&B, Cley Windmill was once a running mill that now offers a one-of-a-kind overnight experience. The mill itself is over 300 years old and has become a landmark spot for the north Norfolk coast. From the antique memorabilia to the exposed 18th century beams, the history of the windmill is at the heart of the establishment. With its unique selling point, it’s no wonder how this five-story Georgian guesthouse has become such a tourist hotspot.
The Secret Yurts
Where: Powys, Wales
How much: From £340 for a two-night stay
WOW factor: If camping is out of the question, then glamping could be your next best option. Otherwise known as ‘glamorous camping’, these yurts are both homely and hi-tech. From innovative eco-showerheads that require half the amount of water to sustainable heating that is powered through ground sources and solar panels.
You’ll be able to explore the nearby Powis Castle and Gardens or, for a more ambitious expedition, the Snowdonia National Park is only 45 minutes away. But if you’d prefer to stay tucked away in the Welsh countryside, each yurt includes a hot tub for ultimate spa-level relaxation.
The Beach Hut
Where: Widemouth Bay, Cornwall
How much: From £1750 per week / £1350 per short break
WOW factor: Renowned as being one of the ’50 Best Cottages in Britain’ (The Sunday Times), this seaside sanctuary is a secluded gem. As a former genteel tearoom, The Beach Hut has been transformed into an idyllic open plan hideaway. Stood in panorama of the beachfront, the hut’s selling point is as much about the outside’s breath-taking views as it is about the inside’s refined furnishings. As it is popular amongst photographers and even Hollywood’s elite, unfortunately the Beach Hut is now only available in autumn.
Though you might not be able to depend on the weather, the UK still has a lot to offer for disappointed exotic holiday-goers. From countryside to coastline, affordable to luxury, pods to yurts, the Great British staycation is here to stay.
(Disclaimer: all properties were available at the time of publication. This article is not sponsored.)
Matt Rogan
Matt is an English Literature graduate from the University of Leeds. In a playful yet provocative tone, he writes with particular attention towards LGBTQ+ issues, pop culture and modern living.