Best places for a post Covid-19 staycation

We’re all itching to get exploring again after being locked down in our homes for over three months, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And now the government has announced that holiday rentals can be booked for arrival from the 4^th July, 2020.

But as we emerge, blinking into the daylight, it is still important to remain aware of social distancing measures and ensure that we avoid the crowds as much as possible – after all, we’ve all seen the pictures of the packed beaches since the recent heatwave.

So how can you ensure than you book a safe holiday cottage in the UK, once lockdown is over?

Things you should consider when booking a post-lockdown trip

There are a number of factors that you should take into account when booking a UK holiday once lockdown finishes.

Type of accommodation

First thing’s first, you will want to think about the kind of accommodation you want to stay in.

Holiday cottages are the perfect accommodation choice for a post Covid-19 break.

Staying in a self-catering holiday cottage will mean you really can limit your contact with other people outside of your party as well as prepare all your own meals (if you want to!).

Your holiday cottage will also be deep cleaned between bookings, so any fears about cross contamination and hygiene can be put to rest.

And don’t forget, you can filter your search results on HolidayCottageCompare.com by “isolated” or “secluded” to see holiday cottages which are located well away from other properties and busy areas.

Time of year

If you are planning a trip during the summer months of June, July and August, it is far more likely that you will bump into more tourists than during the cooler winter months.

If that is something you would prefer to avoid, you may wish to consider a trip in September or October instead, when the weather is usually still fine, but there will be less people about.

Planning a trip during this time can often work out cheaper than booking at peak times.

Location

Probably the most important thing to consider in your holiday planning is the location.

You may want to avoid the usual tourist honeypot destinations such as Devon and Cornwall and go somewhere a bit more off the beaten track.

As well as being safer, getting away from the usual tourist spots may also make your holiday more cost effective.

We’ve put together this list of the best places for a post Covid-19 UK staycation.

Places to visit in the UK post lockdown

North York Moors, Yorkshire

The stark beauty and remote wilderness of the North York Moors couldn’t be better for getting away from it all. You won’t find as many crowded footpaths here!

Wrap up warm for a bracing day wandering around the largest heather moorlands in the UK and discover the location that inspired the passionate love story of Heathcliff and Catherine in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Then return to your cosy holiday cottage for a warming cup of tea!

Plockton, Scotland

This picturesque village in the Scottish Highlands is known as “The Jewel of the Highlands” and it isn’t difficult to see why.

There’s a sheltered bay here on the edges of Loch Carron and a ring of hills surrounding it. There are pretty cottages and a working fishing harbour but it’s less well known than other Scottish resorts and so is more tranquil all year round. You’ll often find artists painting the beautiful bay, with easels overlooking the sea – how relaxing!

Caernarfon, Wales

Unlike its busier neighbour Anglesey, Caernarfon is one of the quieter tourist spots in Wales. However, there is still plenty to do here with a harbour and Wales’ most famous castle, Caernarfon Castle, calling the town home.

Caernarfon is located just a short drive outside of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park too, so there are plenty of walks nearby to keep you busy and spectacular mountain scenery to marvel at.

Instead of climbing popular Snowdon where you might meet lots of other walkers, why not try the quieter walks of Marchlyn Mawr or Cadair Berwyn instead?

Northumberland

Northumberland features one of the quieter national parks in the UK and was even named by Campaign for Rural England as the most tranquil spot in the country.

But just because it’s quieter doesn’t mean it’s not just as good as the likes of the Lake District and the Peak District.

There are plenty of isolated villages and towns to explore plus two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, of course, the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site.

Suffolk

Suffolk, on the south east coast of England, in Anglia, has plenty to offer visitors. From its dramatic coastline which stretches on for miles to the beautiful quintessentially English villages and the acres of farmland, there is lots to explore here.

For a chilled day out, take to a boat on the Suffolk Broads, one of the largest protected areas of wetlands in the UK, and spot lots of wildlife while you take in the beautiful scenery.

Quintessential seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold attract many visitors each year. But head inland and you’ll find plenty of space to explore this wonderful county at your leisure.

Carlisle, Cumbria

The county town of Cumbria is a lot quieter than the visitor heavy towns found in nearby tourist hotspot, the Lake District.

It’s home to two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including Solway Coast, a spectacular section of coastline which forms part of the border between the countries of England and Scotland.

Carlisle is also a great base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, the most important monument from Roman Britain, and there is plenty of interesting architecture to see in the city. See if you can spot the 12^th century Carlisle Castle and the city’s medieval cathedral.

The Roseland Peninsula, South Cornwall

Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for our list! The Roseland Peninsula is home to stunning coastal scenery and wide open beaches which rarely get crowded, unlike busier areas of Cornwall such as St Ives, Padstow and Newquay.

Explore the quieter side of Cornwall and the south west where you’ll find great walking routes, secluded coves, woodlands and dramatic clifftops. The beaches of Porthboer and Caerhays are the quietest spots – perfect for a relaxing UK break.

Looking for a secluded break away in the UK?

If you would like help finding an isolated cottage or secluded holiday rental in the UK, then get in touch with Holiday Cottage Compare.

Tell us exactly what you are looking for and we will email you a link to all the cottages that fit the bill!