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The UK staycation destinations you might not know about

Photo credit: The Boathouse
Photo credit: The Boathouse

If, like us, you’ve been spending your evenings scanning booking.com and airbnb hoping to unearth a Cornish gem that still has some availability, forget it. Instead, take a look at these beauties guaranteed to give you a great getaway far from the crowds.

The Boathouse, Ullswater

A dreamy self-catering escape for two on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District. Inside the converted 19th-century boathouse it’s open-plan with a balcony for al fresco dining and a gorgeous bedroom with lake views. We love the private rowing boat for lake adventures, hikes right on your doorstep, good local restaurants and board games if it rains.

From £190pn

Photo credit: The Boathouse
Photo credit: The Boathouse

Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

You don't need to be a big golf fan to enjoy a stay at the Old Court House. A perfect base to explore St Andrews, the impressive hotel features breathtaking views of the beautiful Scottish coastline, multiple restaurants (including a pub), and a luxury spa that boasts a fancy 65-foot indoor pool. The hotel will also arrange a variety of activities for you including horse riding, land sailing and distillery tours.

From £230pn

Victorian House, Lake District

If charming and intimate dog-friendly country digs are your thing, look no further. Following a day of exploring, the hotel is an idyllic sanctuary to rest and recharge. We're also big fans of their cosy outdoor retreat named The Shepherds Hut (pictured below), which is perfect to enjoy with a partner.

From £179pn

The Nest, Stamford

A safari lodge tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside with everything you need for a secluded Brit break, including log burner, kitchen, comfy beds for up to six people and an egg-shaped tub to soak in and watch the sunset. Yoga classes and a Landrover safari to see local wildlife at dusk can be arranged.

Four nights from £760

Flint Barn, Norfolk

This gorgeous hideaway for four absolutely nails ‘countryside luxe’. Part of a 1,350-acre arable farm, it’s been brilliantly restored by an award-winning architect; you’d never guess it once housed livestock. It also has a pool, jacuzzi and steam room.

From £700 for three nights

Photo credit: Flint Barn
Photo credit: Flint Barn

Welshglamping, Llanwrtyd Wells

Choose from a log cabin with four-poster bed, lotus belle tent (sleeps four) or cute cottage at this rustic new hideaway in the wilds of mid-Wales. There’s plenty to do from river swimming to exploring the nearby valleys and at night low light pollution means the star-gazing is unreal. Cook on the campfire or, if you want a night off, Llanwrtyd Wells is ten minutes away with local pubs and restaurants.

From £90pn

Photo credit: Welshglamping
Photo credit: Welshglamping

Artist Residence, South Leigh

Part of the hip boutique hotel chain, this Oxfordshire escape is perfect if you don’t want the hassle of self-catering but do still want to get away from it all. Many things to love here, from the cosy rooms with retro extras (the barn suite is amazing), a converted shepherd’s hut, gorgeous garden and great restaurant serving stuff you probably weren’t whipping up at home, like wild mushrooms, sourdough and truffle.

From £100pn

Newtown Cabin, Isle of Wight

Birdwatchers and walkers alike will adore this two-bedroom cabin retreat, where nature-spotting opportunities abound on the island’s only National Nature Reserve. Originally built in the 1930s for processing oyster catches, today you’ll find a snug little bolthole for four with nearby estuary views and glorious walks from the door, where your neighbours are rare butterflies and red squirrels.

From £231 for three nights

Photo credit: Jason Swain/Getty
Photo credit: Jason Swain/Getty

The Treehouses at Lanrick, Scotland

Sign up now for a stay in one of five gorgeous woodland dwellings on the edge of Scotland’s stunning Trossachs National Park, around an hour from Edinburgh. Super luxurious inside, including king-size bed and copper bath, ideal for relaxing in after a day of wild swimming, kayaking or whiskey tasting at nearby Deanston Distillery.

From £200pn

Photo credit: The Treehouses at Lanrick
Photo credit: The Treehouses at Lanrick

Copse Cabin, Sussex

Part rustic cabin, part modern magic, this cosy retreat lies on farmland in a secluded woodland. You’ll love sitting outside by the tranquil pond, where birds and dragonflies flit around, playing board games, star-gazing around the fire pit and sipping fresh coffee on the terrace. Heaven.

From £90 per night

Photo credit: Copse Cabin
Photo credit: Copse Cabin

Luxury Yorkshire Huts, Darlington

A pair of high-end shepherd huts ideal for a romantic escape. From the Farrow & Ball painted exteriors to the luxurious wallpapered bathrooms, rolltop tub and breakfast, which arrives in a wicker hamper, this is all about spoiling and relaxation.

From £99 per night

Photo credit: topher mcgrillis
Photo credit: topher mcgrillis

Harbour Hotel, Southampton

This one might be in a small city, but hear us out. Not only does if have a glass-fronted top floor bar with outside terrace over looking a yacht-packed marina (if you squint, it’s a bit like Ibiza port, not even joking), there’s also an exceptionally good spa with hydrotherapy pool and lots of lovely treatments, plus the award-winning Jetty restaurant serving fresh seafood al fresco - it’s an Instagram dream and even if you don’t step out of the hotel for two days, you’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday.

From £120pn

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