HAVEN’T you heard? Going abroad for a holiday is out in the year 2026, but cosy cottage staycations and UK city breaks are well and truly back.
If you’re thinking of ditching an overseas break for somewhere closer to home, these are our top picks from postcard-perfect villages, to busy cities and even our favourite hotels.
Sykes Holiday Cottages has predicted a record high for staycations in 2026, reporting that bookings made in January are up 9 per cent year-on-year.
So where should you book? The Sun Travel team has plenty of suggestions…
Skegness, Lincolnshire
For fun at the beach, Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot suggests a trip to this popular seaside town: “The original Lincolnshire seaside town of Skegness is celebrating a landmark birthday in 2026 – the 90th birthday of the very first Butlin’s holiday camp.
“Founded by Billy Butlin, it offered affordable, organised seaside holidays and helped popularise the all-in, onsite entertainment model that has stood the test of time.
“This year will see a host of special events at Butlin’s to celebrate, including a special weekend over the Easter weekend including a dazzling firework and laser show on April 11.
“Of course, there’s lots more to see and do – from classic arcade amusements and fish and chips on the pier to bucket and spade beach fun.
“For a must-do day out, Natureland Seal Sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation work makes for a fascinating visit and the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve promises dunes, saltmarshes and birdlife for nature lovers.”
Snettisham, Norfolk
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recommends a visit to her hometown, she said: “Born and raised in North West Norfolk, I’ve seen hordes of tourists flock to my county every year for a summer staycation.
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“But I’m always surprised when holidaymakers head for the same few touristy spots, and miss out on exploring our quiet, pretty villages such as Snettisham.
“Snettisham Beach is a quiet yet arguably more beautiful alternative to Hunstanton or Holkham. It’s known for dramatic orange sunsets and spectacular displays of pink-footed geese sweeping across the horizon.
“Head out for breakfast to the trendy Old Store for a full-on fry up with duck fat hash browns, and spend the day hand-feeding farm animals and heading out on deer safari at the family-friendly Snettisham Park.
“When the evening creeps in, head to The Rose and Crown for a pint of local ale and an unbeatably cosy pub atmosphere. As the working day winds down, the 14th-century pub is packed with local cricket players and dog-walkers settling down by the fire – who will happily talk your ear off about the best hidden spots in Norfolk.
“Plus, Snettisham is only a 10-minute drive to the royal residence and beautiful woodlands of Sandringham, which has a large wooden playground and plenty of walking trails marked by wooden animal sculptures.”
Burford, The Cotswolds
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “While you might be tempted over to the Cotswolds for the world-famous Bourton-on-Water, or for a pint at Clarkson’s Farm, you’d be remiss to skip out on a trip to Burford.
“The main high street is one of the prettiest in the area with barely any chain restaurants and shops.
“The sandy yellow Cotswold stone is instead used for vintage sweet shops, pubs dating back hundreds of years and cosy gift shops selling twee home goods.
“Make sure to grab a cake and a coffee at Hunter’s Cake Company, or some afternoon tea at Huffkins. Any leftover crusts can be taken to the river at the bottom of the hill, to make friends with the eager ducks.”
Grantchester, Cambridgeshire
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill visited one destination that’s used as a TV backdrop of the same name, she said: “Just 15-minutes outside of Cambridge is the beautiful village of Grantchester.
“Most people would have heard of Grantchester because of the television series starring Robson Green and Rishi Nair that’s set in the 1950s and has been filmed in the actual village for years.
“Lots of visitors take pictures outside the vicarage and the church – but where I headed was for a relaxing walk along the River Cam before stopping in The Orchard Tea Garden set in an actual apple orchard.
“It’s famous for having a number of literary legends visit, like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster. While you’re there I’d suggest picking up a homemade scone, which you get with a pot of jam and clotted cream for £5.40.”
Unplugged, Wales
For those seeking a peaceful break, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, has a hotel suggestion that will top all others when it comes to switching off. “The Unplugged brand first popped up on my radar a few years back, during another frenzied lockdown when life was lived primarily through screens and burnout felt inevitable.
“The off-grid cabin company specialises in digital detoxes – a trend that will certainly be growing in 2026. The idea is that visitors lock away their devices in the safe until the end of their stay (a basic Nokia phone is provided for emergencies).
“Stays can be booked for three nights minimum – to ensure guests fully reap the physical and mental health benefits of going phone-free. Dotted across the country, each of the two-person cabins, of which there are now over 50, stand solo, immersed in nature, (bar a few paired ones, for the purpose of group bookings).
“I’ve got my eye on Taffy, a cosy, dog-friendly cabin in Powys, Wales, where walking trails are aplenty. It comes with a private hot tub, meaning evenings can be spent soaking in the bubbles under a starry sky.
“All the essentials are provided, including a kitchenette, bathroom and roaring log burner, plus there’s board games and books for entertainment as well as an outdoor seating area. Prices for Unplugged start at £420 in total for three nights.”
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
One of the most beautiful towns is in the North of England, and Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey insists you visit, she said: “If you ever wanted to feel like you stepped into a pretty postcard picture, then the closest you will get to that is going to Knaresborough.
“The tiny market town almost looks fake, from the historic viaduct going over the river to the trains trundling along over the top.
“Add in a few kayakers on the water, and it’s the perfect place to lose a few hours. Kill some time before your train home with a glass of wine at The Mitre.
“And don’t forget to pop to the nearby York to Betty’s for a famous Fat Rascal scone.”
Newcastle
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens said there’s one city with lots of bars, and plenty of culture too. “I first went to Newcastle to visit a friend at university and check out its legendary nightlife scene.
“And whilst the nightlife is a huge part of what makes Newcastle such a great city break – I was shocked by just how much this city has to offer.
Stepping out of the central train station, you’ll be wandering through cobbled streets overlooked by grand neoclassical stone buildings through Grainger Town.
“Head towards the Quayside, and you’ll start to see more of the city’s industrial side. There’s a series of seven pretty bridges that stretch over the river, which glows with neon city reflections at nighttime.
“For a dose of history, Newcastle Castle is a sight to behold with over 2,000 years of heritage, plus you can even climb to its rooftop for the best panoramic views across the city skyline.
“But if you do want to dip into the famous nightlife, I recommend heading to The Bigg Market or the Ouseburn for cheap pints and an electric atmosphere.”
University Arms Hotel, Cambridge
When heading to the city of Cambridge, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says there’s only one hotel you should check into. She said: “I might be cheating on my home city of Oxford, but the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge makes it worth it.
“The historic hotel is a must for any tourist who wants to immerse themselves in British history. Rooms are named after famous Cambridge alumni – the best being the Hawking Suite which overlooks the common.
“Bathrooms play readings of The Wind in the Willows and you can grab a book and a treat in the Library room to wind down in.
“Complimentary blue bikes for pedalling around town, free Saturday walking tours and even punting packages in the summer – it’s the quintessential English escape.”
Cornwall
For Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, there’s one spot you can’t miss. She said: “You don’t need me to tell you that Cornwall is a staycation hotspot year in year out.
“There’s a reason I still haven’t tired of the coast-rich region with its sweeping, blustery beaches – despite visiting at least four times annually.
“It’s the constant newness: more quality restaurants, another music festival, and undiscovered cultural experiences. Even some of the historic and nature-focused sites, a big part of what makes the south west so special, are regularly being given a new lease of life.
“The Cornish coastal meadows project, due to be completed this year, will see the addition of new grasslands, encouraging more plant growth and thriving wildlife from bees and butterflies to grasshoppers.
“Stay at the recently renovated Pedn Olva, a pub with rooms that’s been carved into the craggy cliff-face facing the choppy sea in St Ives. Gobble up a bowl of crabby fries, before retiring to the bedroom to stargaze (rooms come with mini telescopes).”
Celtic Manor, Wales
When it comes to staycations, there’s one hotel that stands out for Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot. She revealed: “This high-end destination resort is a must-visit for stays that combine championship golf courses with luxury accommodation and an excellent spa.
“Set in 2,000 acres of scenic parkland in the Usk Valley near Newport in South Wales, it features three championship golf courses and has hosted the Ryder Cup.
“Celtic Manor has also welcomed the rich and famous. Former US president Barack Obama stayed in their fabulous four-bedroom huge Hunter Lodges when the NATO Summit was held at the resort in 2014.
“I’ve stayed in one of the lodges – and possibly even in the same bed – and can testify they offer the very best of lodge living for large groups complete with an open-plan living/dining room with vaulted ceilings and outdoor terrace with stunning golf course views from its own hot tub.
“It’s a great option for a hen or stag weekend with a difference.”
New Forest, Hampshire
Down in Hampshire, the New Forest is ripe for exploring with heathland, forest trails, wildlife and pretty villages which Travel Reporter Alice Penwill found when she visited.
She said: “I loved wandering through Brockenhurst where you see all the beautiful wild ponies, donkeys and cows roaming around – some even take a gander down the high street.
“The lovely houses even have grates on their driveway so the animals don’t wander up to the front door.
“After a long walk there are a number of pubs with big gardens where you can have a refreshing drink like The Snakecatcher, Foresters Arms and The Huntsman.”
York
Another must-visit city is the vibrant York according to Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, she told us: “Was it the higgled piggledy buildings flanking the narrow alleyways or maybe the grand cathedral with its looming Gothic tower that first made me fall in love with York?
“Or perhaps it was merely the friendly folk who filled its cafes and shops. The Yorkshire lot seem a little more cheery than those down south. Either way, charming York is one of my favourite cities in the UK and I believe it should be on everyone’s bucket list.
“The main hub, within the City Walls (a landmark in themselves, dating back to Roman times) is my favourite area. Here you’ll find Betty’s Tea Room – an absolute must visit. The first of these fancy northern cafes opened in Harrogate way back in 1919.
“Today there are five scattered across Yorkshire, including one in York itself. Sip on tea (Yorkshire, of course) served from polished silver pots and tuck into traditional bakes like the fat rascal, a type of chunky scone crammed with fruit and spices that was invented in this county.”
Chester
Another favourite from Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot is this spot in the North West of England, she said: “It’s been dubbed the prettiest city in England and I can definitely say I agree – Chester’s historic centre is a delight to explore.
“Shopaholics will have even more reason to visit in 2026 with the launch of the H Beauty store from Harrods on February 6.
“Set in the former Browns of Chester building, an Edwardian beauty on Eastgate Rows, it will feature a champagne bar, blow-dry bar, interactive play tables and of course, lots of high end beauty products.
“There’s more shopping delights on The Rows, a two-tier medieval galleries, covered walkways lined with timber-framed facades, boutiques and cafes stacked above street level.
“And of course, you can’t miss a walk around the City Walls, the most complete circuit of Roman and medieval walls in Britain that gives you scenic stroll with great views over the town, gardens and river.”
Anglesey, Wales
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill found a beautiful Welsh village on a trip to Anglesey, she said: “I’ve always loved peace and quiet on holiday rather than a rowdy night out, so when I stumbled upon the village of Moelfre on a trip to Anglesey, I was delighted.
“The quaint former fishing village has beautiful pebbled coves and long stretching strips of land out to sea with lighthouses perched on top.
“One must-do is stop into Ann’s Pantry for a Welsh beer or a generously sized scone, and the Coastal Cafe for fish and chips – it’s so popular that locals and holidaymakers queue out the door during the weekend.
“Just a short walk away is Traeth Lligwy beach which you can reach while hiking the coastal path.
“It has stretches of golden sands, and when the tide goes out, a natural paddling pool forms in the middle as water gets trapped behind a sandbank. Some sunbathers even spot dolphins amongst the sea waves.”
For more suggestions from our travel experts, these are our favourite day trips in the South East – from pubs with a view to quiet beaches.
And for more inspiration, here are our travel team’s best trips of 2025 – from new theme parks to private UK islands.