ESCAPE LONDON – No need to travel abroad, when you can stay here and enjoy beautiful Britain

Posted by Editor on July 20, 2015 in Escape London | 1 Comment

Salcombe

Seven British Holidays That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re Abroad 

Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, take a romantic walk through history, ride the waves or let loose on an island, you don’t need your passport to enjoy the summer holiday you’ve been lusting after.

While the rise of low-cost airlines have made it easier to feel like an international jetsetter, some of the most incredible holidays can be found in our own great British backyard. To show how perfect a British staycation can be at satisfying your summer wanderlust, Harbour Hotels have rounded up some of the country’s best destinations that prove you don’t have to travel abroad for the holiday of your dreams.

SALCOMBE

Britain’s answer to the French Riviera 

If you’re looking for lavish glamour and luxury by the sea, forget France’s Côte d’Azur and instead bask in the summer heat wave on Britain’s premier coastline in Salcombe. Surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, the picturesque village boasts plenty of boutiques, cafés and restaurants, offering fresh local seafood. A yachting and sailing paradise, Salcombe Estuary is one of the most idyllic waterside locations in Britain, with a view that’s worth £1.3m and celebrity inhabitants that include Sir Clive Woodward, Kate Bush and Sir Michael Parkinson. Those fancying a taste of the millionaire lifestyle should head to the Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, where rooms overlooking the waterfront are available for a fraction of the price.

MARGATE

Swap Mickey Mouse for the Crazy Mouse at Britain’s Disneyland

Feel like a kid again without traveling to Disneyland Paris by heading to Margate for a trip down memory lane at the newly re-imagined Dreamland. Following an £18m refurbishment, Britain’s oldest amusement park has restored some of its original rides and added a collection of retro-style attractions that will give you a dose of much-needed nostalgia.

ST. IVES

Surfs up and Britain’s own Bondi Beach

Save your frequent flyer miles and a long haul around the world by swapping a trip to Sydney’s Bondi Beach to catch a wave in St. Ives, where swells rolling in from the Atlantic create the best year-round surfing conditions in the UK. Widely regarded as the jewel of Cornwall’s crown, St. Ives is known for it artistic culture and breathtaking scenery. Take in the coastline from a different perspective, by grabbing a surfboard, sea kayak, or a snorkel to discover what lies beneath the clear blue waters. St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa overlooks sweeping views of Porthminster beach. Wake up to views across the golden sand and the turquoise sea, stay from just £215 B&B.

St. Ives

LIVERPOOL

Rich musical history in line with Memphis, Tennessee

Are you a music buff looking for the ultimate musical pilgrimage? No need to leave home soil as Liverpool nurtured a whole host of musical greats on par with Memphis’ own superstar, Elvis Presley, and pop sensation, Justin Timberlake. The rightly declared ‘city of pop’, Liverpool is most known for The Beatles and is home to a number of famous musical landmarks including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles played nearly 300 times and live music is still played daily.

YORK

Britain’s Roman retreat

If you’re looking to stroll through a historic and romantic city say ciao to Rome and hello to York, the charming riverside city surrounded by ancient walls. Founded by Romans in 71 AD, you’re sure to fall in love with York after gazing through the medieval stained glass of York Minister cathedral and walking the quaint cobblestone streets that take you through the stables.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Let loose like you’re in Ibiza on Britain’s white island 

Swap one white island for another by skipping Ibiza for the Isle of Wight, where you’ll find yourself lost in incredible coastal beauty and sandy beaches. If it’s Ibiza’s laid-back hippy roots you’re after be sure to visit for Bestival and bring your party vibe.

ISLE OF MAN

Get a glimpse of the Northern Lights on a British night

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to head out to Alaska, Iceland or Norway to catch sight of Aurora Borealis. The lack of light pollution and clear sky make the Isle of Man an ideal location for stargazing on a fine British night.  So grab a loved one and some bubbly to sip under the stars.