2020 has fast become the year of the staycation, however with travel advice differing throughout the UK, it can be difficult to pick somewhere to stay. We’ve listed some of the best low-cost staycation locations* and our popular hotels in the area so you can book and stay with confidence.
Buckinghamshire
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Home to the beautiful rolling Chiltern Hills- an area of outstanding natural beauty, and popular towns and villages including High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire is perfect for a low-cost staycation in the home counties.
There are also lots of free things to do in the area. Coombe Hill and Wendover Woods in Aylesbury are great outdoor places to take the family for a picnic, a play in the woods or even to glimpse at the amazing panoramic views across the county. Milton Keynes is also a great choice for shopping and a spot of culture at the MK Gallery. High Wycombe has Eden Shopping Centre and Rye Park, a popular favourite with locals and tourists alike for its wildlife and waterfall.
Stay Nearby
Aylesbury
High Wycombe Central
Milton Keynes at The Hub
Oxfordshire
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Oxfordshire boasts one of the most prestigious universities in the world and some of the best tourist attractions including Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Visitors to the county love to explore the Cotswolds, explore some of the county’s small picturesque villages and take a free wander round the university grounds and museums.
There are lots of museums in Oxford that are worth a visit and are completely free including the Asmolean, Pitt Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. The market town of Abingdon is home to the Oxfordshire Thames Path National Trail which is a great choice for a countryside walk or a cycle along the Thames.
Stay Nearby
Oxford Abingdon Road
Burford Cotswolds
Bicester
Hampshire
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Hampshire has the best of both worlds with the New Forest and South Downs national parks offering a green retreat, and the beaches, ports and harbours of Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Southampton offering refreshing sea breezes and a coastal feel. The county is also home to the well known Highclere Castle aka ITV’s Downton Abbey. Add to that the historic appeal of the city of Winchester and you have a variety perfect for a great staycation.
The New Forest National Park spreads across the county and offers a free escape from the hustle and bustle. Over the Solent is the Isle of Wight which is home to Osborne House– the former home of Queen Victoria. There are also plenty of free things to see and do on the island including the Isle of Wight and Shanklin to Ventnor coastal paths which offer fantastic views across the Solent and beyond, The Garlic Farm, a garlic-lovers paradise which offers the full garlicky experience, and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary which is perfect for the kids.
Stay Nearby
Portsmouth City Centre
Ryde Isle of Wight
Gosport
Suffolk
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Being on the east coast of the UK, Suffolk is the first to see the sunrise. Visitors come here for the amazing Suffolk coastline peppered with tiny villages and towns with their own unique character and history. Explore the Suffolk Wool Towns such as Kersey and Lavenham, often dubbed ‘England’s Best-Preserved Medieval Village’ with over 300 listed buildings and a distinct 15th Century charm.
As well as stepping into a world of yesteryear, there are so many free things to do across the county. Chantry park and Christchurch park in Ipswich offer an oasis of relaxation, while the city centre and the seafront have some quirky statues to discover such as the giant “?” statue, and the Major statue peering over to the thoroughfare. There are also great beaches in the county including Aldeburgh, also home to The Snape Maltings, an area of independent shopping and events surrounded by inviting marshlands and the River Alde. Take a walk or river trip and see the thriving wildlife that calls this place home.
Stay Nearby
Ipswich
Bury St Edmunds
Thetford
Somerset
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There’s lots to explore in this beautiful countryside county. Among the woodlands, beaches and lakes are some of the most iconic sites in the UK. Cheddar Gorge with its views across the Mendip Hills, Exmoor full of amazing wildlife including red deer, and Glastonbury which is home to one of the world’s most renowned music festivals.
Free things to see and do include Cheddar Reservoir and Burrington Combe both a favourite with visitors looking for fantastic views and walking trails. Burnham-on-Sea with it’s long sandy beaches is great for a traditional British seaside staycation.
Stay Nearby
Taunton
Glastonbury
Highbridge Burnham-on-Sea
Wiltshire
Home to one of the UK’s most visited (and most mystifying) attractions- Stonehenge, Wiltshire is a countryside haven great for taking the family on that much needed break away. Longleat Safari Park is a great place to let out your wild side, while the medieval city of Salisbury with its impressively ornate 13th Century Cathedral is a must-see for history buffs.
It’s easy to see the best of Wiltshire on a budget with two of its iconic landmarks free to explore. The area also boasts great shopping with Swindon Designer Outlet the top pick for a bargain. There are also some great museums to have a wander round too with the Museum of Computing dedicated to preserving and showing off some early computer examples, while at the Steam Museum you can find out all about what made the Great Western Railway so great from those who built, operated and travelled on it, to the story behind the pioneering vision of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Stay Nearby
Chippenham
Swindon Central
Amesbury Stonehenge
Cornwall and Devon
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A great choice for a coastal staycation, Cornwall and Devon have many areas of natural beauty and heritage coastline including the Jurassic Coast which stretches from east Devon to Dorset. Whether it’s for the tasty traditional south western fare, breath-taking beaches and coves, impressive ecosystem discoveries at the world-famous Eden Project, or an adventure along the many coastal paths, there’s something for everyone in the Cornwall and Devon region making it a great low-cost staycation location for the whole family.
There are plenty of quaint Cornish villages and towns to discover on a budget and in the summer months, it’ll feel like a far away oasis. The Camel Trail in Wadebridge will take you through Wadebridge to Bodmin following the Camel Estuary. However you choose to traverse the 18 mile route, you won’t be left disappointed as there is wildlife and hidden gems aplenty. Independent shops and unique boutiques can be found at Lemon Street Market in Truro- a favourite for visitors to the area.
Stay Nearby
Wadebridge
St Austell
Newquay Seafront
Book with confidence with our Flexible Rates
“At Travelodge, we know how quickly plans can change. Our Flexible Rates allow you to amend or cancel your stay right up until noon on the date of arrival meaning you can book and stay with confidence.”
*All locations included had lower Covid-19 rates at the time of writing. As the situation develops, this information may become out of date. You can look out for further information about Covid-19 and how it’s affecting travel in your area or the locations listed above here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
