Here at dealchecker we love a staycation just as much as a holiday abroad, and with August bank holiday just around the corner, what better excuse is there to hop in the car for a change of scenery! “But where do I go for this three-day weekend?”, we hear you ask. We have all your questions answered, with this round up of the UK’s very best staycation destinations!

Cornwall

Possibly one of the most popular destinations during August bank holiday, Cornwall offers everything you need and more for a relaxing long weekend. With pretty harbours, such as St Ives, Falmouth and Fowey making a lovely place to enjoy a pasty, and the north coast boasting some of the best surfing conditions in the UK, the county provides the ultimate beach break. Visit Land’s End and feel like you are on the edge of the earth or enjoy a performance at the open air Minack Theatre as dolphins jump waves in the bay!

The New Forest

A land where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free, giant redwood trees tower above the flora and fauna below, and greenery dominates every open space, the New Forest is truly a place like no other. At 218 square miles the national park offers a plethora of manor house retreats for a peaceful weekend in the country. And thanks to its position on the South Coast, there are even beaches to enjoy! If you look closely enough you may even be able to see the Isle or White, or you could even enjoy a day trip to the island.

Edinburgh

The colourful capital of Scotland is a dealchecker favourite and makes a wonderful spot for enjoying a long weekend. There’s the Edinburgh Castle, dominating the compact city’s skyline, and the little café where J.K. Rowling wrote the beginnings of the Harry Potter series. But Edinburgh is so much more than just a city – Arthur’s Seat provides stunning views across Edinburgh, and the city’s position on the coast of the North Sea allows you to add a little natural beauty to your historic city break.

Lake District

If you are looking to escape the madness for bank holiday, why not try the Lake District? At 912 square miles, you will certainly be able to avoid the hordes of bank holiday trippers and enjoy some of the most stunning vistas in the country in blissful solitude. Pack your picnic and don your walking shoes then hike through the hills headed for stunning views of the most famous lakes in the country.

Brighton

Let’s be honest, bank holidays lend themselves to days at the beach, and Brighton offers a great day out as well as a jampacked weekend away. With the pier, fabulous shopping scene, buzzing nightlife and the South Downs National Park right on your doorstep, there is something for everyone. But if you just fancy heading to the beach for an ice cream with your bucket and spade in hand, Brighton is the place for you!

London

Now we could hardly make a list of the best places to visit during the bank holiday without including our capital, now could we? London really does have it all, from a compelling history and stunning palaces, to unique tourist attractions and a fabulous foodie scene. Whatever you are in the Big Smoke to do – you can be sure that bank holiday is an excellent time to do it!

Snowdonia

Let’s be honest – heading to Snowdonia for a weekend away certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. You can trek up to the peak of Mount Snowdon for mesmerising views across the national park, but if you prefer a more leisurely day, there’s always the train to take you to the peak. And while ascending Snowdon poses a great way to spend a day, the park offers so much more! There are the beaches, the lakes and the wide-open spaces, each posing a fabulous spot for a bank holiday picnic!

Oxfordshire

This quintessentially British county offers a relaxing country retreat that can be enjoyed come rain or shine, and at less than two hours from central London, you can really make the most of your entire weekend! Charming little pubs line the River Thames providing a lovely spot for a Sunday Lunch, while the city of Oxford makes for a fabulous shopping trip or immersive history lesson. Alternatively, a walk through the countryside provides a great way to disconnect from your day to day life and allows you to see the very best of the green county.

Bath

Another city hitting our staycation list is beautiful Bath. Built in the Roman Era, the limestone city’s namesake, the Roman Baths, remain expertly preserved to this day and you can even enjoy the same mineral-rich waters that the Romans discovered at Thermae Bath Spa. With a plethora of stunning Georgian properties to stay at, Bath offers a relaxing escape, an in-depth look at Britain’s history and an excellent shopping scene for those bank holiday bargains!

Belfast

While, for some, this destination may require a flight or ferry, the Capital of Northern Ireland is part of the UK, meaning you won’t need your passport to get there! A stunning mix of classic and modern architecture, Belfast is the birthplace of the Titanic and hides many other historic tales to discover along cobbled streets and inside traditional bars. Head to Belfast this bank holiday and explore the Botanic Gardens and Titanic Belfast, the monument to commemorate 100 years since the sinking of the passenger liner.