Staycation swaps which look like they're abroad!
STAYCATION IDEAS!
With travel abroad looking unlikely at the moment, a lot of us are looking for ways to holiday closer to home this year. And the great news is we don’t actually have to compromise! There is soooo much to do on our doorstep
Here’s my guide on…
Fabulous UK Staycation swaps …
That’s me, and I’m in favourite home spot, Kirkby Lonsdale!
I love beauty and fashion dupes, and this post is no different! Like most people, I have had holidays cancelled due to Covid 19. My trip and excitement for Eurovision 2020 was completely postponed until next year, our summer beachy holiday never got off the ground and our Winter trip to Dubai is now up in the air.
But I LOVE the UK! And there are so many destinations I’d love to share with you as alternatives to places you may have had cancelled due to coronavirus.
Portmeirion, Wales instead of Tuscany, Italy
Ohmygaga! A little bit of Italian Riviera in Wales. A man made village on a private peninsula with its own beach, outdoor pool, gardens and central piazza. It’s such a colourful village with its own hotels and self catering accommodation.
Highlight:- Wandering around exploring the colourful Italian inspired architecture.
Image from Shutterstock
Lochgilphead, Scotland instead of Bali, Indonesia
I saw a photo of this on the gram and I was confused. Why have they put Scotland as the location? No way! Your eyes do not deceive you, this is NOT Bali, this is an EcoYoga resort on a Loch in Scotland. And I need to go here! Bali is known for its wellness retreats, but there are just as many in idyllic settings in the UK. The outdoor bathing and yoga classes make this the perfect swap!
Highlight: Outdoor shower experience
Bath, England instead of Budapest, Hungary
You don’t have to travel all the way to Hungary for an outdoor thermal bath experience. Go to England’s self named city, Bath! There’s quite a lot of culture to explore in Bath. There’s the Abbey which you can climb to the top of, the gorgeous Prior Park with the Palladium Bridge, which ok, isn’t Hungarian, but is very European in its’ design! The list of things to see and do in Bath usually includes pictures of The Crescent or The Circus, which are arched rows of Georgian Architecture. But I think the thing I would most look forward to, would be punting down the River Avon under Pulteney Bridge.
Highlight:- The Thermal Spa experience and punting
Image from Shutterstock
Finn Lough, Northern Ireland instead of Lapland, Finland
Sleep under the stars in a bubble dome! This luxurious hideaway offers a spa experience with a difference. There is a spa trail flowing through a series of cabins nestled in the forest, with a different spa experience in each. I think my favourite looks like the Finnish sauna which is coupled with a plunge in to the lake to cool down afterwards. They also offer nature based activities like kayaking and surfing
Highlight:- Forrest Bubble Dome
Isle of Skye, Scotland instead of Reykjavik, Iceland
There is something magical about being somewhere remote with breathtaking scenery. The Isle of Skye is located in the North West of Scotland. It has several Dark Sky Discovery Sites which makes this the perfect spot for star gazing and seeing the Northern Lights. There are whale watching and dolphin watching boat trips, lots of waterfalls and white beaches which look like they could be in the Maldives! I found this website which has a lovely overview of a town called Waternish, which is one of the northern peninsulas,
Highlight: Northern Lights experience
York, England instead of Rome, Italy
York was founded by the Romans and many of the ruins and architecture remain. I am going to talk in more detail about holidaying in York in a separate post as there is so much to see and do. There are the original Roman city walls, the amazing York Minster, castle museum, the Abbey Ruins. Not to mention the BEST and most quintessential English tea room Betty’s.
Highlight:- Visit York Minster (the cathedral) including the Roman crypt.
Manchester, England instead of Hamburg, Germany
Ah, you knew I was going to mention my favourite and home city! If you were planning on heading to Hamburg this Autumn, why not swap that for another cosmopolitan city? They’re both new cities with an industrial feel. There is so much culture in Manchester, with an amazing musical history, quirky bars and wall art in the Northern Quarter and a complete contrast with swanky high rise cocktail bars in Spinningfields. There’s Central Library, National Football Museum, the Imperial War Museum and some history making, world changing icons in Emmeline Pankhurst and Alan Turing, who have statues in the centre.
Highlight:- Soooo many to mention! But I think a walking tour of the Northern Quarter to see where Captain America was filmed. Yep! The Northern Quarter quite often doubles as New York for film sets as its easier to close and cheaper to film here.
Central library in St Peters Square, Manchester. Photo from Shutterstock
Would love to know if you try any of these dupes, erm I mean staycation swaps! We are so lucky to live on an amazing island ❤
xXx
