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Recently the government have urged people in Britain not to travel abroad this year and have issued a 14-day quarantine policy for people arriving back in the UK from a different country.
This could have led many to think that summer is ruined. With plans to go on a much-needed summer holiday abroad out of the window. However, there is still the opportunity to make the most of this year. Whether plans can be made sooner than we expect or even a little later on.
For now, of course, we need try and stay at home when we can, but there is no harm in setting out plans for the future. It may help having in mind an idea or two on just how you can make the most of staying in the country this year.
This post offers a round-up of certain places in Britain where you could consider visiting in a few months, for when restrictions are lifted. This will hopefully give you something to look forward to. You never know, you might warm to the idea of going on holiday in the UK a little more than you have done previously.
Most of the places listed in this post are either in the countryside or in locations by the coast. That will leave plenty of room for social distancing which could have to stay in place for many months to come or until a vaccine has been found, according to the government.
Plus, these locations will in no doubt give you the space, fresh air and of course the perfect change of scenery that you been hoping for. Especially after we have all been cooped up in our houses for what seems like forever.
Embedded links used for this section (in order):
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8310633/Lavish-trips-abroad-not-possible-year-says-Matt-Hancock.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/business-52594023
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/22/uk-will-need-social-distancing-until-at-least-end-of-year-says-whitty
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Robin Hoods Bay
One fabulously scenic place to visit which should be near the top of everyone’s list, is the small fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay. The village is located on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors, and is around a 15-minute drive from the popular tourist destination, Whitby.
If you live close enough you can of course visit the bay now for the day, providing you adhere to social distancing guidelines as advised by their website. However, to truly make the most of the experience it would be worth it to wait a while longer until you are able to stay there, to make at least two or three days out of your visit.
The bay offers a memorising coastline with many scenic walks in the area. This includes a cliffside walk (as pictured) where you can stroll along the beach until the end. Then from there, easy access is provided to the clifftops. Then, from there you can take your time to experience the picturesque views the bay has to offer.
There are also some lovely cafes and shops available in the village to visit once they start to reopen, from traditional seaside-style fish and chip and ice cream shops, to cosy little independent cafes and pubs, which are definitely worth the visit. There are also some spooky ghost tours on offer..
If you are thinking about places to stay for in the future there a few B&B’s in and around the village. There are equally some great campsites to consider staying at in a few months’ time. Hook’s House Farm is one of the lovely little campsites in the area which offers breath-taking views of the coast.
Embedded links used for this section (in order):
- https://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
- https://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/ (linked twice)
- https://www.whitbystoryteller.co.uk/robin-hoods-bay-ghost-walk/
- https://www.booking.com/bed-and-breakfast/city/gb/robin-hoods-bay.en-gb.html
- https://www.hookshousefarm.co.uk/
Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, The Lake District
There are in no doubt many areas in the Lake District that are absolutely stunning. You may even have one in mind that you have grown fond of in the past. However, your post-quarantine self should definitely consider a visit to Derwentwater Lake and the small market town of Keswick.
Keswick is a great little place to explore, with many small, independent businesses that can be visited when they re-open.
There is also plenty of wilderness to be explored around Derwentwater Lake itself. Visit Keswick outlines the 10-mile walk (it may be long but it’s worth it!) that you can take around Derwentwater while you absorb the picturesque surroundings.
As the website mentions, the walk is generally flat and allows you to explore the mysterious woodland areas along the way, and admire the surrounding mountains. There is also plenty of green space for picnics, but the website states there has been a path closure which may affect the route.
If you are looking for places to stay, you can either explore the range of campsites available near these locations. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more up-market there are some cute cottages in and around Keswick.
Embedded links used for this section (in order):
- https://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/keswick/
- https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking-routes/derwentwaterwalk
- https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-near-derwentwater
- https://www.cumbrian-cottages.co.uk/northern-lakes/keswick-area
Brighton marina & the surrounding areas
When you think of Brighton you automatically associate it with a large seaside town flocked with tourists, but there is so much more to it than that, and not everywhere is constantly busy either (especially at the moment!).
Brighton Marina is the perfect place to have a short break and there are some gorgeous little Airbnb’s to stay at in the area which you could consider booking when everything is up and running again.
The marina is quite spread out and hosts a fairly decent sized market square with a selection of small shops and cafes. There are also restaurants along the harbour. Which is particularly beautiful at night when all of the boat lights are on which you can gaze at while you dine.
The marina is next to The Undercliff Walk which brings you alongside and up-close to Brighton’s empowering cliffs. There will also be steps that will lead to small beaches as you make your way along the walk. So why not take a break halfway through and soak up some sun?
The walk will take you to the historic village of Rottingdean, which definitely gives off a seaside vibe and hosts some lovely walks – don’t forget to check out the grade 2 listed Beacon Mill.
Embedded links used for this section (in order):
- The Tourism and Leisure Destination
- https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/Brighton-Marina–Brighton–United-Kingdom
- https://restaurantsbrighton.co.uk/brighton-marina-restaurants/
- https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/seafront/undercliff-walk
- http://www.rottingdeanvillage.org.uk/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beacon_Mill,_Rottingdean
The Yorkshire Dales
This is definitely a very broad area to suggest paying a visit to and some of you will probably have already visited here at some point. However, the dales have so many places to offer which are bound to keep your post-quarantine self occupied for days.
If you are planning to stay then you have plenty of places to choose from. From guesthouses to cottages and lodges in surrounding villages and towns, or even find a nearby campsite if you’re looking to save some money. Waiting for quarantine to end and restrictions to be lifted will be so worth it.
To help narrow it down, some of the best places to visit while your post-quarantine self is in the Dales include Aysgarth Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by a woodland area, Askrigg which is a great little village to have a stroll through, and lastly, we can’t forget Fountains Abbey.
Fountains Abbey is a stunning world heritage site which is definitely worth the visit. You can spend most of the day exploring the ruins. Or simply soaking up what the fresh air and countryside in the area has to offer.
Embedded links used for this section (in order):
- https://www.coolplaces.co.uk/places-to-stay/uk/england/north-east-england/yorkshire/north-yorkshire/yorkshire-dales
- Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre
- Askrigg
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden (linked twice).
About the Author
Abbey runs a a blog called Abbey Writes.
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clairelomax2018 says
Oh wow! I have such a need to get away! We tend to have a mini break every few months if we can manage a child free weekend. I have been lusting over several places for July but I don’t think it’ll happen so I am holding off for now.
You’ve got some lovely selections here and I have not visited any of them before so I am adding them to the list.
Thank you for sharing x
bournemouthgirl says
These look like some great spots to visit!
Under flowery sky says
So sorry that you cannot travel abroad but such a lovely scenery,
specialy the lake and the marine area.. I would love to visit more
of England..
Linda Purcell says
Such great places to try. I’m so hoping things will get back to normal sooner rather than later.
adamjnew85 says
Love this! Robin Hoods bay has always been on my places to go list.
Jenny in Neverland says
I’ve been on nothing but staycations for around 7 years now – I love exploring the UK! I’ve been on a boat ride around Derwentwater Lake. The Lake District is so beautiful. I’d love to add Bridgnorth to this list and the Norfolk Broads!
sunshinesarahxo says
I also love the lake district & the Yorkshire Dales because well I’m from there! So can definitely suggest coming here for a statcation! 😊 Would love to visit Brighton at somepoint as it looks beautiful.
I am really looking forward to going on holiday as like you said your own four walls can get a bit much after all this time! 😂 xo
Nici says
I’ve always wanted to visits Britain. Thanks for the suggestions!!!
Rachel says
oooh! Some for the travel list for sure! R x
Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes says
Thanks for sharing, these look lovely places to visit once we can go to places. I have been to the Lake Discrict before and its lovely 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Vera says
Wow great suggestions! I am not sure if I’ll manage to have the holidays I’ve planned later this summer so I am really considering of visiting some places around UK instead. I loved the suggestions for Brighton marina and Lake District, they are definitely in my bucket list now! x
Vinn says
Beautiful places thanks for sharing this. At this time we are all confined traveling somewhere nearby.
laurenhollie says
There are some beautiful places to visit in the UK, lockdown has definitely inspired me to explore some of them!
iserendip says
Robin Hood’s Bay sounds like a really interesting place to visit 🙂
crystalsandcurls says
Great guestpost! I love the british countryside, can’t wait to get back to the UK and visit a few places xx
Two Tickets To says
Love these tips, great guest post! Brilliant to see shout outs for Yorkshire in there, definitely filled with brilliant places to take a short break. We’d be keen to head to the Lake District once it all opens up again. Thanks for sharing!
Charity says
This is such a great post of places to visit. I am looking forward to traveling once again too!
Emily Clare says
These are such lovely ideas! I can’t wait until I can go on some weekend breaks!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
hanmorris97 says
I have heard of the Brighton Marina before, and always thought that it looked like a nice spot. I’ve been wanting to visit for ages, so that might be high up on the list once the restrictions are lifted. Great list xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Ella-Rose says
I really do need to explore the UK more! As a Brighton-ian, pleased to see it on the list too 🙂 Lovely suggestions!
Ella-Rose // http://www.wanderingterra.com
Anika May says
I live in the Yorkshire Dales and it’s still my favourite place in the whole of the UK to explore. I really want to visit Windermere in the Lake District soon 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Lindsey Brogan says
Fab to see robin hoods bay! My favourite place in the uk! I love camping there and should have been twice this year but had to cancel. Hope to get there in August! Thanks for sharing!
Kelsey says
I lived in the UK for 2yrs and never went any of these places! Next time Im able to visit the in-laws I will definitely remember these. I always heard such great things about the Lake District but now I really have to go! Great list. Thank you for sharing!
Ross Moore says
Great post Amber! Like you, we’re going to be concentrating on the UK for a while and we think that’s a good thing. There are so many fantastic places to visit on this Island of ours. We’ve always fancied Robin’s Hood Bay, want to do more of the lakes and love the Dales. Hoping to get back there and visit Whitby before too long. Thanks for the Info!
Paige says
I need some UK holiday break ideas – thank you for sharing these ideas!
Paige // Paige Eades