There is nothing more exciting, educational, and rewarding than being a tourist in your own city. While long-haul holidays certainly bring their own set of excitement and learning experiences, some of the best attractions can be found right on your doorstep. The UK is a vast and mesmerising place that cannot be experienced in one lifetime. Travelling local will open up incredible opportunities to discover your home, it’s more convenient, less costly, and better for the environment.
On the sustainability front, reducing air miles greatly contributes to the planet. A 2020 study going that a flight from Paris to London for four people emits a massive 220kg of CO2 into the atmosphere, while a train from London to Manchester emits just 48kg of CO2. The benefits to keeping it local are undeniable, so let’s take a closer look at some of the best attractions to explore during your UK staycation.
The UK has much to offer the local traveller, from beautiful landscapes and quaint towns to vibrant cities and some of the most enthusiastic sports fans you will ever come across. Despite a reputation for bad food, the UK is home to some of the most magnificent gourmet cuisine and restaurants. In fact, the UK and Ireland are home to a combined seven 3 Michelin Star restaurants, 20 Two Star restaurants, and 158 One Michelin Star restaurants. That’s on top of the myriad of pubs, cocktail lounges, outdoor dining spots, and more. Here’s our pick of some of the best attractions in the UK.
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Stonehenge
Stonehenge may sound like an obvious option, but it is truly a worthwhile experience that every local should visit at least once. Located just 10 miles north of the historic city of Salisbury, Stonehenge is one of Europe’s most popular monuments. It draws visitors from far and wide, while the exhibition centre offers even more audio-visual experiences, taking visitors on an exploration through 250 ancient artefacts going as far back as 3000 BC. While visitors cannot wander close to the actual stones, there is an option to reserve special morning or evening access for a private experience without the crowds.
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The Roman Baths and Georgian City of Bath
This smaller city in England, Bath offers an exquisite environment for locals trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living while still having access to modern amenities for a comfortable experience. It is one of the most beautiful cities in England and boasts fantastic tourist attractions, allowing visitors to while away their days with no care in the world. The most famous attraction is the majestic 2 000-year-old Roman Baths, built around the city’s hot springs, and is definitely worth a visit. Another recommended stop is the Georgian Townhouses located on Royal Crescent, many of which are of significant historical and architectural importance.
Football Stadiums
Locals know that football is to the UK like basketball is to the US. No staycation is complete without a trip to the local stadium to watch an exciting and often life-changing football match. Home to the Premier League champions, England boasts a plethora of stadiums all attracting thousands of visitors each year. One of the most popular, Old Trafford in Manchester, also known as the Theatre of Dreams, is the home stadium to Manchester United.
With the team recently making headlines for its shocking transfers, particularly Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, all eyes are on Manchester United as the Premier League season kicks off. Spectators and fans are descending onto Old Trafford in droves while online sports bettors continue to place their wagers on the Red Devils place in the finals, with current football betting odds sitting at 6.50. This means that things are expected to be heating up soon, so a trip to your favourite stadium this season will surely be exceptional.
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Eden Project in Cornwall
The Eden Project is a collection of unique artificial biomes from plants all over the world. Located in Cornwall, this is a great place to bring the family. Its botanical gardens complex houses massive domes and thousands of different plants species, from local to tropical. For a bit of culture, the Eden Project also hosts multiple art and music events, while Cornwall itself invites adventure seekers with activities like zip-lining and giant swings. Overall, locals will find something for everyone in Cornwall county.
