Last-minute Summer staycation ideas

Now that the Summer’s arrived, we can’t wait to spend some time away from the home office, and treat ourselves to a holiday.

Although the vast majority of us won’t be able to get abroad this year, staycations were a big hit last year, and they’re set to be another popular choice in Summer ‘21.

As nice as it is to go abroad for a holiday, we’ve found that staycations have a lot of big benefits - they’re cheaper, easier to organise, a whole lot less stressful, and they encourage us to be a bit more spontaneous.
The great thing about a staycation is that you can decide to get away pretty last-minute. With no flights to book, you can make the most out of a week’s holiday, long weekend, or even just one night, with very little planning required.

So, if you’ve decided to take a UK Summer staycation, we’re here to help you narrow down your options. The UK is full of beautiful locations - it’s so hard to choose where to go!

In this blog post, we’ve picked out our favourites, and provided you with our top 6 locations for a Summer escape at home. At any place on this list, you can be certain to have a fun-filled, exciting staycation, which you’ll remember forever.


First up, some sensational venues:

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire

This stunning country hotel is the perfect treat-yourself staycation spot. The magnificent venue offers everything from a Michelin-starred restaurant to an open air hydrotherapy pool. All of this, set within vast, lush grounds which are typical of the Wiltshire countryside.

If it’s elegance that you’re after, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa will tick all of your boxes, and then some.

Visit their website to find out more


The Mitre, Surrey

the mitre, surrey
If you’ve planned a spontaneous staycation, and you’re looking for a location that is quick and easy to get to from London, The Mitre is a fantastic choice.

For workers needing a much-needed break from the city, The Mitre is a glamorous rural venue, with all the charm of the countryside, and the luxury that you expect in a city.

Visit their website to find out more


The Goring, London

Or, if it’s a big city holiday that you’re after, The Goring is the perfect place to stop at during your tour of London’s sights.

This magnificent hotel has earnt itself 5 stars, and it's easy to see why. The decor is dramatic and grand, and its alfresco eating area makes guests feel as though they are somewhere on the Med, even when the UK weather is acting up.

In fact, did you know that The Goring was the venue which the Duchess of Cambridge stayed at before she married Prince William? It must be something special.

Visit their website to find out more 



And now, some of Britain's most beautiful hidden gems:

Portloe, Cornwall

Cornwall is a holiday destination which is known across the world. It is renowned for its charm, natural beauty, and quaint English vibe. Nowhere is this more true than at the village of Portloe.

This little village is the perfect place for chilled out families, looking for a fun and outdoorsy staycation. You can tour the beaches, go crab fishing, head out on a boat, or tuck into some proper fish and chips.


The Jurassic Coast, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast is home to some of the country’s most impressive and dramatic natural beauty. These magnificent cliffs are a World Heritage Site, and the coastline will leave you in complete awe.

This sensational staycation spot is also a great choice for any fans of the ITV drama Broadchurch (see if you can spot any areas which featured on the show).


Chipping Camden, Oxfordshire

The Cotswolds are another one of the most-loved holiday destinations in the UK. Even the most modern tourists can’t help but fall for the gorgeous, old-school, other-wordly charm of this part of the country.

When you enter Chipping Camden, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Everywhere you look, there’s cute cottages, lush greenery, and sweet little shops. Then, once you’ve grabbed yourself some lunch, there’s countless walking or cycling routes for you to choose from.


Now, even with the most last-minute of staycations, you can secure yourself a truly stand-out holiday. No flights necessary!

We hope that our Smarter staycation round-up has successfully inspired your upcoming summer escape at home.

Once you’re back from your holidays, there’s something so special about being back at home. It always feels so good to get back, put our feet up, and have a good cuppa on the sofa. So, if you’re keen to bring the same sense of luxury to your home (not just your staycation venues), be sure to check out our Smarter store.

You can find our full range of innovative home technology on our website - perfect for continuing that holiday feeling all year round.

Written by Josephine Walbank