AD | For many of us, it doesn’t feel like a proper holiday unless you head to the airport, bring your passport, and fly to somewhere radically different. And, since the affordability of short-haul flights, many old seaside holiday towns in the UK are decaying. But this doesn’t mean we should give up on British holidays. On the contrary, there’s a real revival of domestic holidays and exploring our own land, in part thanks to the pandemic-induced campervan craze.
More Holiday, Less Hassle
The most immediate benefit of a domestic holiday is that it’s on your doorstep. You may think a flight to Spain is 2.5 hours, but the truth is that you always arrive at the airport a couple of hours early. Before you know it, an entire day has gone – there and back.
Instead of enduring a cramped plane that you set a 4.00 am alarm (or earlier) to reach, you can drive or get the train to a national park, resort, or city that’s just a couple of hours away. It’s cheaper, and it leaves you with more time for holidaying.
Beauty on the Doorstep
The UK has its own landscapes, and many go underappreciated. Travel companies like Orbis Ways take you on hiking trails through some of the most well-known routes, booking accommodation for you along the way. This can be rural or from town to town.
Heading north to Scotland, it can feel like an entirely different world to south of the border. The Highlands oscillate from rolling hills that never seem to end, to rugged valleys besides pointed summits.
Glencoe is perhaps the best example of this, and you will not find better valleys in Europe – they’re on par with the Alps. Should you want to drive through in your campervan or car, it’s easy to stop along the way. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can take the 96-mile West Highland Way trail.
There are other UK locales that have a “foreign” or exotic feel too. Lulworth Cove and the iconic Durdle Door on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast has some incredibly unique geology that will remind you of the Med (and equally turquoise waters at times). Cornwall’s subtropical gardens like Trebah can make you believe you’re not even in the UK – it has genuine rainforests to marvel at, and the Gunnera patch (think giant rhubarb) should not be missed!
Deeper Connections with a Domestic Holiday
Choosing a domestic holiday isn’t just about the holiday itself, it’s about realising the beauty of what’s right in front of you. It’s almost an exercise in gratitude and perspective, and it can shift the way we think about the nation we live in when we return home.
And, going forward, rather than longing to escape again, we can lean into our surroundings instead. Because this is much more accessible, so it doesn’t mean we have to wait for a once-a-year escape. Weekends away and shorter staycations suddenly become much more appealing.
Of course, there’s also a movement towards both isolationism and environmentalism right now. By going on holiday within the British Isles, our money is recirculating our economy and going to local, small businesses. Meanwhile, our carbon footprint remains lower, and we can help keep our own traditions and beauty spots alive.
Your Next Great Adventure is Closer Than You Think
Domestic holidays should no longer be viewed as a second-best option, but instead a rewarding and ethical one. By cherishing what’s on our doorstep, we become happier and more satisfied with what we have. And, given the UK so frequently puts itself down with a narrative of decline, this is a great way to reignite our sense of pride too, don’t you think?
Do you ever holiday at home? How do you feel about staycations? Where’s your favourite spot to take a break in the UK?
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
I loved your photos and tips for exploring Scotland. My hubby has some roots there and we have always wanted to explore it more. With summer coming… this is definitely the perfect time to go!
Oh yes, summer in Scotland sounds perfect – just remember to take some mosquito spray, the Scottish midges are legendary!
I completely agree that domestic holidays can be special! In July, we’re staying on Samsø, which is a small island about 2.5 hours away. I haven’t been there before, but they’re known for their nature, beaches, and potatoes!
That did make me giggle, an island known for their potatoes! But it sounds lovely, Karalee, I hope you have a wonderful holiday. 🙂
I think it is a shame that not many people are going on holidays within their own countries. I do travel a lot around the UK, from days out to proper 10 days holidays. For me there is an added value to see the place where I chose to live, even if I was born outside the UK. But, while in Romania, we were doing the same.
I think the main issue with holidaying in the UK is we can’t guarantee the weather – but that said, there are so many lovely places to see and things to do that don’t involve a beach, maybe it’s time we broadened our horizons.