From Cornwall to Cumbria

Great British Staycations

While most Brits are desperate to get on the next flight/cruise ship out of here, more than 32 million overseas visitors flock to British soil every year. And why? Because Great Britain is home to some of the most stunning, culturally and historically significant places on Earth. Some of us travel miles to find crystal clear waters, palm trees and exotic wildlife – but all of this and more is just a drive away, from the turquoise shallows off the Cornish coast, to the deep blue lakes of Cumbria. Why miss out on the beauty, just because it’s on our doorstep?

Cornwall

The sea is the heart and soul of Cornish life. This county, which juts out into the Atlantic ocean on the southern-most corner of Britain, has a rich maritime heritage stretching back through centuries of fishing, shipping, smuggling and piracy. Arriving here, whether by car, plane or train, you feels as though you’ve left the country. There’s a different feel in the air once you cross the Devon border – perhaps it’s the sea breeze, or the warmer climate coming in from the Gulf Stream. Or perhaps it’s the palm trees (known as Cornish Palms) that grow here in abundance, making the coastal towns of St Ives and Penzance look like Caribbean colonies.

For British holiday makers, Cornwall is the furthest you can get from home without leaving the country – both culturally and geographically.

Unlike the manicured Victorian promenades of the south east, the Cornish coastline is truly wild. On the north coast you’ll find miles of untouched sand, fringed with foamy Atlantic surf. Here, surfers flock to places like Newquay’s Fistral Beach and Gwithian in search of the beast breakers to practice their skills and test their nerves on some of the biggest waves in the country.

For landlubbers, there is still plenty of excitement to be had along the coast, from long walks along the dramatic cliffs to the tranquil bay of St Agnes, to ice creams and fish n’ chips in the bustling harbour towns of Falmouth and St Mawes.

The wildlife found along the Cornish coast is breathtaking, from 30ft basking sharks drifting metres from the shore, to the hundreds of seals you can find lolling on the craggy shores of Godrevy Bay in summer.

Cornwall really is the Caribbean of Great Britain.

Cumbria

Cumbria boasts one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes. It encompasses the famous Lake District, home to the deepest and widest lakes in the country (Wastwater and Windermere respectively) – as well as the highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Natural wonders may be in abundance, but you can also find some of Britain’s most significant man-made structures, including numerous castles, 50 stone circles and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are many enchanting corners of this breathtaking landscape. Winster Valley is considered one of them, famed for the damson trees which bloom every spring, covering the valley with fluffy white blossom. The event is such a spectacle that it draws crowds of people each year, including local producers, farmers and craftspeople who come together to celebrate the beautiful tree. In autumn, the trees are laden with ripe, purple fruits with locals setting up stalls to get in on the action.

Of course the best way to appreciate Cumbria’s sublime mountain scenery is by foot. One of the most admired peaks in Britain can be found here: Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in the Lake District, and one of the most popular walking trails.

If you’re taking children or teenagers away with you, there is plenty to do besides walking and sight-seeing. In Grizedale Forest you’ll find a Go Ape centre perfect for adventurous little monkeys. Here you can take to the trees and navigate an exciting course of tartan swings, rope bridges and zip slides. Alternatively, you can skip the active part altogether by taking a guided segeway tour around the beautiful grounds surrounding Cartmel Racecourse and The Holker Estate in Grange-over-Sands.

Yorkshire

As well as tea and vampires, Yorkshire is also famous for its miles of beautiful rugged coastline peppered with ancient windswept hamlets and bustling market towns. One of this county’s most famous seaside towns is Whitby, one of the settings in Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula. Here you can visit some of the story’s most chilling sites, including the skeletal ruins of Whitby Abbey. Take a picnic and explore these romantic ruins, taking in the spectacular views over the bay.

If you feel like getting away from the bustle of Yorkshire’s tourist destinations, head to Robin Hood’s Bay where the fish n’ chip shops and arcades give way to green undulating hills and sleepy villages. Don a sturdy pair of walking boots and head out onto the winding coastal trail, taking you through cobbled hamlets and over old smugglers routes. Sites of note along the way include Laurel Inn, which has a bar carved out of solid rock, and Robin Hood’s Bay beach, which is one of the UK’s best spots for fossil hunting.

For the quintessential British getaway, pay a visit to Hornsea, further down the coast towards Hull. Here you can stroll down the quaint promenade, marvel at the towering Victorian folly, or spend the day cycling, hiking, or pony trekking the eastern end of the Trans Pennine Trail. History buffs will love the depth and breadth of this town’s heritage, and you can explore it all at the award-winning Hornsea Folk Museum, where children can enjoy interactive displays and the biggest collection of the famous Hornsea Pottery in the world. Also of historical significance is the Grade II Listed Bettison Folly, built in the 19th century and faced with locally-made ‘treacle’ bricks.

In July Hornsea plays host to a family-friendly carnival, with fairground rides, stalls and a spectacular firework display.

Whether you’re trying to save money, cut down on travel time, or if you’re simply keen to discover more about the beautiful landscapes your own home has to offer, why not make your holiday this year a Great British staycation?