AD | For many of us, 2020/2021/2022 have been the years of the staycation (among other things). Travel restrictions and the ever-changing list of safe countries meant that our usual perfect family holiday in Turkey, Greece, or Spain was a no-no. Instead, we’ve taken the opportunity to explore more of the UK, when it was safe to do so. Partly because when you can’t do what you’ve always done, you’re forced to think of other things. And with this in mind, here are ten fun UK staycation ideas inspired by the movies – some of which we’ve already enjoyed, others are still on our bucket list.
10 fun UK staycation ideas inspired by the movies
Just a reminder though, of course you should always purchase some travel insurance*, even if you’re only going away in the UK. And if you have a van you use for work, why not add some temporary personal van insurance cover? You can find out which policy best suits your needs by using a van insurance comparison site. Now let’s look at 10 staycation ideas that should also work out cheaper than holidaying abroad and save you some money!
Oxford
If you saw The Golden Compass, and the BBC’s Northern Lights series, then you’ll understand why Oxford ranks high on my wish list of fun UK staycation ideas. I was lucky enough to spend three study weeks here many years ago. But I didn’t really appreciate all the charms the city has to offer back then, such as a gorgeous afternoon tea.
So this time around, we’ll look for some centrally located Oxford accommodation, and then we can explore the Bodleian Library, Pitt Rivers Museum, Covered Market, Botanic Gardens, and Jericho properly. Not forgetting a lunch date at the iconic Trout pub where our future marine biologist, Flora, can watch the fish go by.
Charlestown
To be honest, I hadn’t realised that Charlestown was the scene for one of the funniest moments in one of my favourite films, The Eagle Has Landed (ask your dad, he’ll most likely tell you). The sight of Donald Sutherland flying head first out of the pub window is a treasured childhood memory. But the surrounding village and its beaches (cover pic) are even more special, so much so that we’ve taken to holidaying here now instead of our usual Falmouth.
Argyll & Isles
One of my favourite childhood books was Thomasina by Paul Gallico, which Disney made into an utterly charming film in 1963. Filmed in Inveraray, Argyll, The Three Lives of Thomasina is a lovely story about a little girl and her ginger cat, Thomasina. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the Scottish scenery is just breathtaking. There’s even a possibility we could spot golden eagles, red deer, otters, seals, puffins, and more on some of the 23 islands.
For my perfect road trip, we’ll rent a car from Discover Cars, a customer-recommended (Trustpilot, Google, Facebook) car hire platform for peace of mind on those long drives while we focus on the beautiful scenic views of these Scottish islands.
Norfolk
Confession time, the only reason I want to visit Norfolk is due to that iconic end scene from Shakespeare in Love. The tracking shot of Holkham Beach is simply gorgeous. And it’s part of Holkham Nature Reserve, which would keep Flora happy. As Alan is keen on trying a canal boat holiday, I think this sounds like one of our best future fun UK staycation ideas. Oh, fun fact: some of The Eagle Has Landed was filmed here too!
Liverpool
Because one of my favourite 80s movies was Letter to Brezhnev. Hilarious, tender, and gentle, the story is completely off the wall, but it’s one I remember fondly now. And, of course, who could forget that outrageous and explosive climax at Anfield in The 51st State? Personally, I believe this is one of Samuel L Jackson’s finest films (spoiler: he wears a kilt!). So yes, when it’s safe to go, and because Liverpool is great for families, it’s on our list to pay a visit.
London
No list of fun UK staycation ideas would be complete without London featuring somewhere. There are so many things to do in London but top of the list for a revisit is the Natural History Museum, where the evil taxidermist, Millicent Clyde, from Paddington had her office. Quite honestly, I could spend a whole weekend in this Museum, there’s just SO much to see.
Brighton
The scene of Brighton Rock and a menacing, baby-faced Richard Attenborough, but also full of a fantastic selection of independent boutiques and restaurants. I went for a long weekend once years ago when I lived in London, and I can still remember what it felt like to stroll along the pebbly beach and breathe in the fresh seaside air. Not forgetting the iconic Pier, which Flora would love
Lake District
Alan took me here many years ago when we were courting (I’ve been waiting for sooooo long to use that phrase!). I’ve never forgotten my first sight of Lake Windermere and its mists, it was just breathtaking. And the location of both Swallows and Amazons films is bursting with outdoor activities and surrounded by nature, which is perfect for Flora.
Devon
If you haven’t visited yet then you’re in for a treat with lots of hidden gems to discover in Devon. And one of the most beautiful spots is Dartmoor, which starred in War Horse. Apparently, Steven Spielberg said he’d “never been gifted such an abundance of natural beauty.” High praise indeed, but not surprising if you’ve watched the film. And of course, we have Flora’s favourite National Marine Aquarium close by in Plymouth, along with the Lido and Gin Factory (for me).
Bath
For the ultimate staycation, I’ve decided we need to explore more of our home town, the City of Bath. The backdrop to Vanity Fair (with Reece Witherspoon), Les Miserables, and countless period dramas including the new hit on the block, Netflix’s Bridgerton. And we have some stunning spots where safe social distancing is no problem at all.
The Royal Crescent lawn is perfect for creative drama-inspired activities against a fabulous backdrop. The Botanic Gardens in Royal Victoria Park are endlessly fascinating for gardeners and nature lovers alike. And my favourite, Parade Gardens, where we can while away a few carefree hours by the river and listen to the brass band on a Sunday afternoon.
Fun movie-inspired UK staycations
So yes, I do know a lot of these fun UK staycation ideas were actually movies inspired by books, but I don’t believe that changes the magic of the locations, do you? More importantly, if you’re thinking about planning your holidays at home, I hope I’ve given you some staycation inspiration. Especially if you’re not keen on travelling abroad just yet – just don’t forget your travel insurance* though. And in the meantime, I’m very much looking forward to discovering more of what home sweet home has to offer.
So, these are my top ten fun UK staycation ideas inspired by the movies that we’d love to visit. Have you visited any of them? What did you think if so? Are there any film/tv/book inspired UK staycations you’d recommend?
* This post was written in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own. This post also contains affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer).
You have picked some amazing places, wonderful cities, and some lovely spots. I am a lover of the beaches, and the museums, so one knows what I am going to pick! I cannot visit these fabulous places in the near future but can watch interesting movies, you have mentioned. Happy Holidays, Lisa and Alan, and to your wonderful family as well:)
Thank you, Sara, that’s very kind. And yes, hopefully the movies will give you a good idea of the locations and you can visit some of them in 2021. Happy Holidays to you and yours too 🙂
Great post and I love all these places, especially the Lake District!
Thank you, yes, the Lakes are just gorgeous!
Wow I love this list Lisa! I want to go back to London so bad, go see the sights and have a tour. But I actually stay in a place that has some movie & TV history! Gregory’s girl had a part that was filmed at my old primary school and then other locations in the town, and Outlander was filmed in a local wildlife reserve (Myself and a few of my classmates were on a shoot & bumped into their production, they let us watch some filming which was magical).
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
That’s so funny, I nearly included Gregory’s Girl and left it out at the last minute to focus on Thomasina instead! And I’d forgotten about Outlander – that must have been such a fantastic experience to watch the filming – do you think that’s what inspired you to take it up? x
This is such a great post Lisa. My Partner is a film fanatic and we love a minibreak so I might try to incorporate some of these in to our travels. Let’s hope we can all get out and about a bit more later next year x x
Thank you, Claire, that’s very kind – and yes, fingers crossed we can all travel safely in 2021 xx
Fab post! I’ve been to Oxford, Bath, Charlestown (the shipwreck museum is fab and Poldark was filmed there), London, Brighton, Lake District, and I live in Liverpool. I fully agree with you that all these places are amazing. There are some pretty great locations in Scotland for movie fans, like castle Doune where Game of Thrones was filmed or filming locations for Outlander. I’ve been to a few of those and it’s great.
I can’t wait to go back in holiday next year, if it’s possible.
Oh wow, that’s great to hear – and how did I not realise you lived in Liverpool? We’ll make sure we visit the shipwreck museum in Charlestown, thank you for that tip. And yes, Scotland is amazing, and I’m not just saying that because I married a Scot 🙂
These all look so nice – you also can’t overlook the Cotswolds as a beautiful filming location (for Harry Potter and Star Wars of the top of my head alongside others) and being a great area to visit. So much of Scotland is absolutely incredible, I was lucky enough to go to the Outer Hebrides this summer and write a post about it if you’re interested
Thank you – and I didn’t know Star Wars was filmed in the Cotswolds?! It’s up the road from me so we’ll have to investigate, my daughter is a massive Star Wars fan. I’ll be sure to check out your Scotland post, thank you 🙂
I went to Liverpool a few years ago and I was really surprised about how nice the city was and how much I enjoyed the trip 🙂 I would also love to visit Oxford and see all the old architecture 🙂 Great post!
Thank you so much – I think Oxford will be more practical for us initially but that’s good to hear about Liverpool!
These are some great ideas. I love visiting places where things have been filmed to see if I can recognise anywhere. I’ve been to Bampton in Oxfordshire so many times to see the village where Downton Abbey was filmed.
That’s it exactly, it’s so much fun getting my film location geek on!
What a fun idea to plan a staycation inspired by movies. Discovering local places is vastly underrated. And your photos are beautful.
Thank you so much – and with the exception of the cover pic, I’m afraid they’re all stock photos until I can replace with the real thing!
Such a great list and such a fun take on a staycation
I have to recommend my home of Sheffield naturally – The full monty will always have a special place in my heart and while it definitely isn’t a picturesque film it’s full of so many Sheffield landmarks
Oh my goodness, how did I forget about Sheffield? The Full Monty is such a classic, and I used to date a Sheffield boy too – so remiss of me!
I hope I visit UK one day! It seems like a very beautiful country!
xx
http://anna-alina.blogspot.com/
It really is, we are very lucky 🙂 x
I may be in Canada, but I definitely want to see more of the UK and your post has really highlighted so areas to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Oh thank you, Jodie, I hope you can visit one day too 🙂
Wow awesome ideas specially if they’re inspired by the movies. I would love to explore Oxford and Lake district..
Thank you – and yes, both destinations are absolutely wonderful 🙂
Such great places! I have been living in London for the last five years and almost never travelled around the UK! Norfolk and the Lake District will be on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing xx
You are very welcome – happy travelling when you can do so safely, I hope you love Norfolk and the Lakes! x
Love this! Although arguably not the same, I’d also add West Stow Pods and their Pod Hollow, which is a replica of a Hobbit house. I absolutely loved staying there it was one of my favourite trips ever. Gosh I miss a staycation! Can’t wait to finally visit Bath! x
Well, West Stow Pods is a lot closer than New Zealand so I’ll let you have that one! Can’t wait for you to come to Bath either xx
What a great post idea, there are so many beautiful locations in the UK! Thanks for sharing this list 🙂
Anika
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Firstly thanks, I didn’t know of a Plantagenet before reading your profile and looking the word up. So thanks for that. and thanks for this post, it’s insightful, interesting, well thought out and deserves to be read by more film buffs. I write film parody on my blog and thought I knew a thing or two. Turns out I don’t. Hurrah for learning.
I’m from the Midlands, any great films filmed in Birmingham?
Oh my goodness, thank you so much, that’s very kind of you! I’ll have to head over to your blog, it sounds very interesting 🙂 And yes, a quick Google reveals Brassed Off and Kingsman: The Golden Circle were both filmed in Birmingham, so there you go 🙂
Amazing list, Lisa. The Norfolk place is awesome and I must visit it one day haha. Thank you for sharing these wonderful places!
Thank you, Jack, I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Lovely post! I’ve been to Brighton and I loved it! I’m planning on going back once things are more ‘normal’ and things are open. This has made me want to go to Oxford, Bath, or Devon though, as those 3 have always been on my radar! Maybe sometime in the New Year, who knows 🙂
Coralle x
https://justcoralle.com
Thank you so much, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. And I’m sure you’d love Bath (not that I’m biased, of course), I hope you can get down here in 2021! x
A great post Lisa, I’ve been to Bath and Brighton and they’re amazing places! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you, Lucy, glad you liked Bath! x
This is such a great post! I’ve visited Oxford once, but would love to go back – especially as a friend moved there this year! I grew up in Devon, we used to explore Dartmoor at weekends, it’s a beautiful place. I’ve been living in London for 6 years now, and always find new places to check out.
Thank you – wow, lucky you to have Dartmoor to explore so often. And yes, London definitely has so much to offer!
Great post! I’ve been to Devon and London in previous years and I really enjoyed them. I definitely want to go to more of these places in the future!
Thank you – so glad you loved Devon!
These are some wonderful places for UK holidays! I’m really keen on York and Brighton, as they’re lovely places and they aren’t too far from me! I would like to visit the countryside more when the weather is better x
Oooh, I’ve always fancied York too, another Georgian city with a lot of Plantagenet history, right up my street! x
What a lovely idea! Devon seems like a place I need to check out.
Thank you – and yes, you really do!
These all sound like fabulous places to stay that are inspired by the movies! I have always wanted to go to Brighton, sounds great 🙂
Thank you very much – and yes, Brighton is lovely, highly recommended!
I’m not ready to go abroad yet, but I’m hoping to go on a few day trips or short breaks in the UK at some point next year. Brighton is high on my list!
Brighton is a must see, there’s so much to enjoy, I hope you get there!
These are fantastic, even instagrammable spots in UK! Haven’t been to any of those places but I surely want to experience just once! Lake District sounds breathtaking.
I hadn’t thought about the Insta aspect, but of course, you’re right, they’re all perfect for that!
I love all these places! Oxford and Bath are great cities but my favourite is the scenic places in the UK. The Lake District and anywhere by the coast in Devon and Cornwall. I can’t wait for next summer to be able to explore more!
The Lakes really are breathtaking, as are all the coastal spots. But I think Argyll & Isles is really the one to beat!
Love this post – I had no idea half of these films were filmed in these locations. These are some fab places to visit and that Norfolk beach looks gorgeous!
Tash – A Girl with a View
Thank you – and yes, Holkham is the beach of dreams!
What a lovely post for some much needed escapism. I love Cornwall. I would love to hire a big house one year and have a massive family Christmas! Like the house in the holiday but with 10 bedrooms!
Rosie
Ah, thank you, Rosie! We love Cornwall too, luckily it’s only about 4 hours drive from us so not too far for short hops. Love your Christmas idea!
I love this! So many beautiful places featured here – I’d love to visit Bath. I miss London at the minute, I’m usually always visiting xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Thank you, Della – and yes, I hope you can make it down to Bath, it’s such a beautiful city 🙂 x
I really loved this blog! Bath is my number one place to visit in 2021 xx
Thank you so much – I hope you make it down here in 2021! x
Norfolk was my most favourite holiday destination as a child. My Nan and Grandad had a a caravan down there so I used to go at least twice a year when I had finished school. I loved going down to Great Yarmouth and to Cromer to do some crabbing!
Oh that sounds so much fun, Flora went crabbing for the first time this summer and LOVED it!
I think this is such a helpful post! It’s really nice to see
Thank you 🙂
There are so many amazing places on this list! I think a lot of people always think of going abroad when seeing new places, but there so many great places on our doorstep. I’ve had Bath on my bucket list for ages now xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thank you, Hannah, and yes, I agree, we are so very lucky in the UK. I hope you get to Bath sometime soon! x
Before I left the UK, I had a staycation in my hometown just to experience the things tourists do just to see a different aspect of where I lived. It was great! I love the places you’ve listed here and have been fortunate to spend some time in a few of them — fab memories!
Oh, that’s such a good idea! It’s kind of how I feel when I go to Bath. I lived there for 15 years, but now I see it with fresh eyes all the time 🙂
I’ve not been to any of these places but I’ve always wanted to go to Oxford and the Lake District. My sister used to live in Bristol, and I had always meant to go visit her and see the sights.
Maybe next year then? Bristol is lovely too, but Bath has my heart!
Thanks for sharing, these are great places to visit, most of them I have never been to, but hopefully, one day when we are able to freely go to places again 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the post, Nic, fingers crossed for safer travel next year 🙂
I should be ashamed. Leaving London out, None of these made my visited list 🤭
But Norfolk Coast and Bath fascinates me. About time I start making memories in the UK.
Please don’t feel ashamed, I haven’t visited everywhere on my list either – there’s plenty of time though!
This is really helpful. I’m planning a visit to London in near future and is on the course of gathering information regarding my trip. Your article gave me a lot of in-depth information. Thank you Lisa for sharing post.
Thank you, Kajal, I’m so pleased it was helpful – I hope your trip goes well when you are able to visit 🙂
Here Norfolk is best for me. I’m planning a visit to Norfolk in 2022 and thanks for your article.
Lucky you, I hope your trip goes well 🙂