Planning your next getaway? Natural beauty is closer to home than you think…
We might be lusting over the thought of jumping on a plane to a faraway land, but as the travel landscape has drastically changed, staycations are set to boom for 2020. It’s the perfect opportunity for exploring all that the UK has to offer, and it turns out, our doorstep is much prettier than we remembered. From the picturesque Lake District to the iconic Peak District, take a trip a little closer to home with these top staycations near Manchester (that international tourists go nuts for!).
1. Keswick
One of the Lake District’s most beautiful tourist spots, Keswick provides the perfect getaway for both couples and families. The traditional market town boasts the breathtaking Derwent water, and for those who fancy themselves a relaxing retreat when the pandemic is over, one hotel hosts a special yoga class with Lemurs. Can’t get closer to nature than that, right? Just a two-hour drive from Manchester city centre, take in the sights of the surrounding Lake District and enjoy all that the town has to offer, with a number of luxury hotels, boutique B&Bs and pretty campsites to choose from for your accommodation.
2. Windermere
Another entry from the Lake District, Windermere is a little closer to home, approximately 1 hour 45 from Manchester. The lake itself is beyond beautiful, and it’s absolutely massive too (10.5 miles long to be precise), so there’s a whole lot of it to explore if you count yourself a bit of a rambler. In the area, you can stay in either the quaint town of Bowness-on-Windermere, or head a little further out to Ambleside and even Kendal. Attraction-wise, there are some gorgeous historical spots to see, including Wray Castle, Fell Foot Park and, of course, the lake itself via boat.
3. Haworth
Best known as Brontë Country, Haworth is the birthplace of the famous Brontë sisters, providing the novelists with masses of inspiration for classics such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. The town itself retains its traditional form, with curious little shops to explore. Further afield, however, you can explore the Brontë moors and Top Withens walk (which was the real life backdrop to Wuthering Heights). There are some incredibly relaxing spots to stay during your trip, from luxury campsites to cosy hotels within the town, which is the perfect gateway to other popular Yorkshire destinations such as Harrogate and Ilkley.
4. Liverpool
A nice little alternative to our own bustling city, Liverpool is the perfect day out for those who reside in the North West, but not only that, it’s a brilliant night out too. The city has a lot to offer, from it’s gorgeous, historical docks (which the famous Titanic ship is linked to!), to its Beatles history and, of course, shopping and drinking. The city is a metropolis for modern bars and restaurants with a ton of variety, and there are some beautiful hotels to choose from, too, well suited to couple breaks or a weekend away with mates.
5. Cheshire
Cheshire isn’t short of pretty places to visit, with its Eastern side claiming a portion of the iconic Peak District. Check out the rural county’s quaint towns and villages, or explore the City of Chester, which is a little more metropolitan than the remainder of the county. The outer towns and villages provide some incredible views of nearby moorland, which is perfect for getting some much needed fresh air and stretching your legs. Other attractions include Chester Zoo, Tatton Park, Lyme Park and Delamere Forest.
6. The Peak District
Ok, so the Peak District spans quite a few towns and villages, but the entirety of it is worth a mention given its stunning nature. Experience some of Yorkshire’s finest beauty spots, or head towards Derbyshire. Highlights include Ladybower Reservoir, Castleton, Mam Tor and Stanedge Edge, and to stay, areas such as Castleton and Hathersage prove popular with visitors. There’s plenty of walking and cycling trails to try out, as well as a ton of historical features to set your sights on. Definitely take a camera for this one.