Although the Coronation bank holiday has come to an end, all eyes should stay firmly on the UK when it comes to travel.
Not only is Liverpool gearing up to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday, 13 May, but it won’t be long before the summer holidays are upon us – now’s the time to be cautiously optimistic about a potential three months of sun, sightseeing and celebrations in the Great British Outdoors.
While the pleasures of top European tourist destinations such as Venice, Marbella, Dubrovnik or Positano are undeniable, you’ll still find peaceful beach breaks, culture-packed urban escapes and countryside retreats without leaving UK shores. Whether travelling by train, car or a typically British bus, heading on a family holiday, trip with friends or a solo excursion, there’s a wealth of great options across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Here’s The Independent‘s selection of ideas to inspire your next domestic break this year.
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Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, adds the excitement of the world’s largest performance art festival to the rich history of its cobblestoned Old Town, medieval castle and Royal Mile come summer. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running from 4-28 August, is the star of an already impressive itinerary of farmers’ markets, jazz and food festivals and stand-up shows in the city over the summer months.
The Scottish gem has a versatile ability to accommodate both stylish spa stays and eccentric festivals, immersing visitors in comedy, museums and modern art for cultural days out. Regardless of the vibe of a Scotland staycation, trying some haggis is a non-negotiable component of the perfect Edinburgh trip. Fast trains enter and exit the city frequently from across the UK.
Boutique hotel the House of Gods has a central clubland location, bar, opulent suites and Drag Queens performing on weekends. houseofgodshotel.com
Watersports enthusiasts rejoice: just across the Solent there is far more to England’s largest island than ferries and clifftops. The Isle of Wight’s sunny charm makes for the perfect summer holiday with adventurous friends. Visit Compton Bay for a staycation full of surfing swells, sea swimming and bodyboarding, or put your core to the test and paddleboard around the famous Needles. Those who head to Cowes at the end of July can catch the international sailing regatta and festival, while the annual Isle of Wight festival kicks off with headliner Robbie Williams on 15 June.
And if that all sounds a bit too fast-paced, relax in West Wight with a visit to Colwell Bay and The Hut restaurant for unbelievable sunsets.
The Royal Hotel Ventnor, one of the oldest on the Isle of Wight, has panoramic sea views, sandy beach access and 200 years of history. royalhoteliow.co.uk
Portmeirion, a charming Italian-style village in Gwynedd, is an ideal spot for a picturesque weekend in North Wales. The coastal Welsh village was created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925 and completed in 1976 as an example of architecture’s ability to enhance natural beauty without destroying it. The pastel buildings, piazza and Gwyllt Japanese gardens transport you from rural Wales to Italy, Japan and back without even having to leave the UK.
Indulge in homemade gelato at Angel Ices, enjoy Portmeirion preserves and pottery and visit the Mermaid Spa treatment rooms for the perfect romantic retreat with your partner. Day tickets are available to tourists at the entrance tollbooth or can be booked in advance online.
Portmeirion Village and Castell Deudraeth Hotel sits on a private peninsula overlooking the Dywryd Estuary. The hotel has an award-winning brasserie, acres of woodland and is in close proximity to Snowdonia National Park. portmeirion.wales/stay/accommodation/portmeirion-hotel
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest makes Liverpool a UK hotspot for 2023. The northern city, still home of the hen-do and unforgettable girls’ weekends, has a rich history of architecture, sports and music; it is a Unesco Music City after all. Taking the global stage as the host city of Eurovision this Saturday, Liverpool Arena will welcome the European contestants on behalf of Ukraine.
With so much to do and see, hop on and off a Beatles-themed bus tour – the musical icons are native to the culturally happening city – and take in the museums and galleries of the Cultural Quarter, the Liverpool Cathedral and Royal Albert Dock. Trains from London to Liverpool take around two to three hours; make the trip from just £14 when booking via Trainline.
Take in the colourful sight of Portmeirion’s village gardens
The Shankly Hotel in Liverpool has stylish rooms, jacuzzi baths and a central location in the heart of the city. shanklyhotel.com
The Isle of Mull, the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, lies just off the west coast of Scotland. From iconic golf courses to crystal clear sea, white sand beaches and hiking among historical ruins, a staycation to the Isle of Mull appeals to those looking for an outdoorsy staycay.
Visitors can also experience CBeebies childhood classic Balamory in real life; the rainbow houses were based on the colourful waterfront of Tobermory, the island’s capital. Boat trips from Tobermory allow the opportunity to spot the Scottish isle’s extraordinary wildlife, including puffins, whales, eagles and otters.
If stylish bedrooms, ocean views and a cosy spa are what you look for in a hotel, look no further than the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa. crerarhotels.com/isle-of-mull-hotel-spa
A visit to Freshwater Bay makes for a spectacular sunset
The Royal Liver Building illuminated for Eurovision in Liverpool, Merseyside
