THE UK’S BEST UNSPOILT STAYCATION DESTINATIONS, AND WHAT TO PACK FOR THEM

Whether you’re searching for history, culture or beaches, the travel restrictions shouldn’t mean your summer holidays have to be compromised as there’s plenty of beautiful and quaint holiday spots at home. Here, we have put together 3 of the UK’s best locations for a much-needed staycation.

Bamburgh, England

Nestled upon Northumberland’s coastline, Bamburgh combines history, wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Pack your flip flops as Bamburgh’s beach is stunning and sprawling, with golden sand stretching across many miles with sand dunes one side and the North Sea to the other, perfect for a stroll and for the dogs to run freely. Bamburgh and its beach are overlooked by its fascinating 11th century castle, which is still intact and which you can visit. Seals are often also found upon the beach and nearby Seahouses hosts cruises to the Farne islands, which allows visitors to see flocks of adorable puffins. Despite its small size, the village offers plenty to do, with a few restaurants, cafes and pubs adorning its streets alongside shops and places to stay. It can get a little windy there though, so you might want to bring a soft shell or down jacket.

There are many places to stay in and around the village, including Bamburgh Under Canvas, an adult-only glamping site or the Victoria Hotel, situated right in the centre which is dog and child friendly too. If you fancy a seafood feast, the Michelin approved Potted Lobster is perfect for you, or if it’s something lighter you’re after, the Copper Kettle tearooms will do the trick.

Powys, Wales

This county sitting in the heart of Wales has been voted the best place for peace and quiet in the UK and is home to many beautiful sights. Powys is home to the Brecon Beacons, which is perfect for stargazing or hikes up the national park’s many hills and mountains, so wellies or walking boots are essential! Alongside the mountains, Powys also boats waterfalls, lakes and rivers meaning it is home to some of the most stunning untouched natural sights the United Kingdom has to offer. Market towns such as Machynlleth, which is home to a renowned comedy festival and many independent shops, are a great visit in Powys.

Welshpool is also worth a visit, with Georgian buildings lining its streets and the castle offering an insight into 17th century Powys, with the town accessible by a heritage railway. With only 26 people per square kilometre, Powys is the perfect option for a calming and tranquil staycation with only unspoilt countryside as your company.

This area is of course home to lots of campsites including the Pentwtn Dingle Rural Campsite on the edge of the Brecon Beacons or Strawberry Skys, near the border which has many yurts to stay in. Another option is Pantechnicon Powys, which is a quaint little cabin made from an old truck, which provides beautiful views of the countryside.

Isle of Mull, Scotland

An Island sitting off the West coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull may be the perfect holiday destination for you. Part of the Inner Hebrides, Mull boasts stunning views and plenty of wildlife, including puffins and sea life, alongside many places to eat and drink. The rocky mountain of Ben More overlooks much of the island and provides a climb that will reward you with fantastic views of Mull and many other islands once you reach the summit. The bay at Calgary, a small settlement on the island is lovely, quiet and a perfect place to stretch your legs and Loch Scridain is also worth a visit. Tobermory is the main town, which is decorated by colourful houses on the seafront and also contains one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, established in 1798, with two delicious single malts produced there. On the outskirts of town, Aros park provides plenty of walking opportunities, including one to a waterfall while further afield, Duart Castle guards Mull’s coast and preserves over 800 years of the island’s history.

There are many campsites on Mull, including Tobermory Campsite, outside the main town or Salen Bay, offering wonderful views of the sea that surrounds the island. There’s also lots of hotels and B&B’s on the island such as Tiroran House, which is near the loch or Highland Cottage which won the Thistle Award for Hotel of the Year in 2001. Mull is home restaurants such as Am Birlinn or Ballygown, with some excellent seafood available all across the island.

What to Pack

Travelling in the UK can often be difficult due to the unpredictability of the weather, so we’re here to help with what you need in your backpack. It’s often important to prepare for all weather, so alongside your t-shirts and shorts, you’ll need your hoodies and down jackets to keep yourself nice and warm, as well as walking boots if you’re off on a hike. Make sure you practice packing your backpack before embarking on your holidays, as you don’t want overpack and have to carry around a heavy bag all the time. If you’re going camping, you might want to consider the list below, as these items will make your trip a much more comfortable one.

What to Pack for Camping

The UK offers numerous fantastic camping locations, so whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time novice your sure to find somewhere great to pitch up and enjoy.

Check out our checklist of camping essentials below to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Safety Essentials and Medical Items:

• Compact first aid kit
• Insect repellent and bite cream
• Medication - digestive, antihistamines, prescribed
• Lighting including solar-powered torches
• Sun cream
• Self-charging power bank for emergencies

Weather Protection

• Light, waterproof clothing like packaway raincoats and trousers
• High-performance base layers and thermal layers (where relevant)
• Multi-use clothing (such as a 3-in-1 jacket VS separate jackets and jumpers)
• Waterproof footwear such as walking boots or shoes
• Goloshes / waterproof boot covers
• High performance walking socks (several pairs)
• Sunglasses
• Hats/gloves (depending on weather conditions)

Food And Water

• Self-filtering water bottle
• High-density calorie/protein snacks
• Non-perishable food items like nuts
• Compact camp stove and cooking utensils
• Electrolyte tablets or chews

Shelter And Accommodation

• Single or multi-person tent
• Sleeping bag/pillow

Walking Accessories

• Smaller backpack/day pack for walking essentials
• Walking poles
• Binoculars
• Camera

Toiletries And Utensils

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet roll
• Microfibre towel
• Bamboo cutlery