It’s summer time, the weather is nice (alright… maybe not that nice after all) and you’re looking for an escape. With ’staycation’ being one of the words of the year, we’ve taken some of your best reviews and looked for some of the best destinations in Britain, putting together a selection of holiday packages across the UK to inspire your summer getaway.  The perfect way to enjoy those last few weeks of summer and no queuing in airports or struggling with the foreign lingo!  We’ve collected great destinations, restaurants to sample delicious food, pubs to relax in with some real ale and wonderful views and of course places to rest and sleep.

Flickr photo by adamrhoades

So here we go. We’re starting from Scotland all the way down to Wales. Sunny beaches and happening destinations in England follow shortly and in good time before the summer ends.

Edinburgh

For those of you who really love to unwind on holiday the ’spa-cation’ is perfect for you. The new ’stay-cation’ for this summer, but much more rejuvenating.  Life can be stressful (particularly with the current economy), and its our bodies and minds that without proper attention take the brunt of this stress.  There has never been a better time to take care of yourself, your body will thank you! Rated as one of Britain’s Top 20 Spa Resorts, Onespa @ Sheraton Grand Hotel is hidden away behind the Sheraton Grand.  This immaculate split-level spa, featuring a 19-metre indoor swimming pool with views of the famous Edinburgh Castle. For an even more spectacular view head up onto the roof to the hydro pool to soak and relax.  The hotel boasts super-size beds, friendly staff and berry-blast smoothies to complete your experience.

A one night spa package includes salt and oil scrub and mud chamber for £150pp.

Flickr photo by  Alex Morrice

With Edinburgh Castle within eye-shot of the spa you’d be crazy to miss visiting this famous historical site. You’ll certainly get a glimpse of the Scottish culture on a tour of the Castle with plenty of guides on hand to provide comical anecdotes about the area’s history, it promises to be a tour you will not forget.
 
Flickr photo by  hapticflapjack

All this relaxation and sightseeing is sure to work up an appetite.  If it’s traditional Scottish fare you are after, then check out Home Bistro. Afterevent is a regular there and ‘has never had a dish that wasn’t both impressive and delicious’. If you’ve never tried haggis before, expand your taste buds here. Perfect for a pre-theatre dinner, be warned, book early to avoid disappointment as the venue is small but deservedly popular.

If you’d rather feel like you’re dining in France then why not check out highly acclaimed Martin Wishart. This top French restaurant provides an intimate romantic venue to take a loved one.  With a wide choice on their a la carte menu and vegetarians well catered for it is the perfect setting for a quiet relaxing evening.  It’s not the cheapest of places but everyone who has gone believes it to be well worth the money. What you save on travel costs (remember you’re dining as in France, but in Edinburgh!) you can spend here. So go ahead and treat yourself.

Of course, make sure you arrive on time for the world’s largest arts festival.  The annual Edinburgh Festival which starts next week, runs from 5th August until 5th September. There are plenty of offers to be had so you needn’t break the bank, so everyone can get involved in a bit of festival fun.  Check out the official website or visit the Fringe festival box office to get tickets.

Lake District 
 
The home of England’s highest mountains, deepest lakes and breathtaking views lies within the Lake District National Park.  Situated in Cumbria in North-West of England, visitors are attracted all year round. Lake Windermere, the most well known of the lakes, is popular with water sport fanatics and walkers alike.  The Lake District could easily be described as ‘activity central’ with so many things to do including: walking, climbing, bird watching, fishing, horse riding, golf, cycling, museums and much more!

Flickr photo by sufw  

With all this exertion, a good eatery is essential to top up those energy levels.  Country pubs are an integral part of the Lakeland experience and there is a vast range of options for the hungry traveller. The Church House Inn is a fifteenth century hostelry brimming with rustic charm. Low ceilings, wood panelling and a roaring log fire create the perfect atmosphere to savour top chef Michael Beaty’s cooking.  Much of the produce featured on the menu is locally sourced, creating hearty home made Cumbrian food. The Inn also offers 5-en suite rooms with superb views over Torver Common. This also includes a traditional breakfast in the morning to set you up for the day.

Flickr photo by Robert/Says/Hi

Make sure you’re hungry when you come to the lakes because Cumbria is full of culinary masterpieces.  If you really want to indulge yourself, take a visit to Michelin-starred restaurant Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel.  Situated in a breathtaking location overlooking the stunning Lake Windermere, professional, attentive, young staff complement the experienced kitchen producing modern dishes with a classical theme.  Sit on the terrace for lunches or early evening dining in the summer, whilst sipping on a glass of wine.

There is an endless range of accommodation available to suit all tastes and budgets, whether it’s a cottage, guesthouse, farm or log-cabin you are after find them all here. For those of you taking your beloved pets away with you, there are plenty of places which cater for these too. Dragon Cottage is a perfect example of this, situated close to both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales if you want the best of both worlds.

Snowdonia

Those of you who prefer a more adventurous getaway why not explore the magnificent Snowdonia National Park.  To make that climb up Mount Snowdon that little bit easier why not stay in a cottage within the park.  The Menai Holiday Cottages have a stunning collection of holiday properties which cater for all tastes and budgets from 2 to 24 people.  The park attracts walkers and climbers of all abilities and has hundreds of paths of varying degrees of difficulty. If your energy levels are lacking a bit then take the cog railway to the top of Snowdon from the lakeside town of Llanberis.  For the energetic types take one of the well documented footpaths to the summit.

 
Flickr photo by abstract_effects

If staying in a hotel is more your kind of thing, then there’s a huge choice situated centrally for that walk up Mount Snowdon. Plas Dolguog Hotel is a beautiful country hotel dating back to 1632, set in 9 acres of mature grounds offering panoramic views across the Dyfi Valley to Snowdonia National Park.  The perfect base for fishing, golf, little trains and local attractions, it’s not as expensive as you’d think, as rooms start from £45 including breakfast.

Flickr photo by Kaptain Kobold

Snowdonia Park Free House is situated in Caernarfon on the edge of the National Park in an idyllic mountain setting on the banks of the River Gwyrfai just four miles from the foot of Mount Snowdon.  Attracting families, walkers and climbers, good home cooked food ensures that bellies are sure to be filled after working up an appetite up Snowdon. Listed in CAMRA Real Ale Guide they also boast a micro-brewery on site as well as a campsite for those who don’t mind sleeping under the stars.

If you fancy dining in style but in an informal setting then Castell Deudraeth Bar & Grill could be just for you.  This recently refurbished Victorian mansion provides a brasserie style menu which fits in beautifully with the relaxed contemporary design.  They keep things simple by providing unfussy food using locally produced ingredients, such as lobsters and crabs from the Llyn Peninsula, rock oysters from Anglesey and lamb from the farms around Bala.

After Prince Charles called it “the highest slum in Wales”, Snowdonia’s brand new Visitor Centre has been transformed into something spectacular. The £8.4 million refurbishment now blends in with the landscape and copes with the extreme weather while the glass wall provides a ‘window on the world’ for Wales.  The centre allows visitors of all ages and physical abilities to learn more about the mountain’s significance as a unique recreational, environmental and cultural resource.
 

Are you short of a bit of cash? Is pay day too far away to wait for? Check out Wonga - the specialist in short term loans. Now a word of warning here. Please make sure that you only take on a loan that you know you can pay back shortly. Wonga can let you know very quickly if you qualify for a loan and they will lend you up to £200. They will want it paid back on time though Consider them if you need some extra cash for a week or two, until that pay cheque comes through.

If you hadn’t heard already we have extended our partnership with toptable.  This means that not only can you make online bookings for restaurants across the UK and abroad, but you can also see the exclusive discounts which are currently on offer. Eating at some of the country’s finest restaurants for half the price can only be a great thing. Right?

Do you have any other ideas for fantastic getaways across the UK? That special spot with the unspoiled beaches and the amazing, family-run pub? The B&B that you stayed years ago and still rave about to your friends? Well, then be sure to let us know. Leave a review, or send us an email.

Have a great summer!