5 of the best UK staycations for some well-earned escapism

Hotels in England are set to open on the 4th of July. They are getting ready for Independance Day, and for the Great Escape to begin. The chauffeurs are polishing, fettling and sanitising. The concierge are preparing. Blending in new safety regimes, with sometimes age-old procedures and protocols.

Safer staycation travel

Prior to covid, hospitality training on Bio-Hazard health safety was minimal. Not anymore. Our chauffeurs are experts. They need to be. And we offer passenger guidance & safety tips.

Escapism: a safe, spacious getaway car, private chauffeur, lush destinations.

Lockdown has given many of us itchy feet. We are giving you a stylish getaway car and your getaway chauffeur. Your butler, on wheels. A private driver. Old-school charm but at a social distance. To help you craft moments and memories. Rare and tailored, transformative travel experiences.

In super-spacious and ultra-luxurious, social distance friendly vehicles.

While holidays to far away lands still hold their appeal, there is something truly satisfying about avoiding the hassles and stress associated with flying, and deciding instead to relax in a chauffeur-driven car or ‘let the train take the strain’ for a break in the UK.

From ultra chic chalets in the Lake District to luxury lake cabins in the Cotswolds, we round up some of the “Best of British” breaks.

Journey with us through our very own green and pleasant land. Chasing convenience, nostalgia or maybe just delighted to just be out of the house.

Still, we wonder: Will those childhood memories of Cornwall still evoke the same sense of wonder, or will we have to redefine and reinvent that summer haze? Journey with us to discover for yourself. To find your safe hideaway, glamorous getaway

Five of the best UK staycations

1. Beach Life

Voted the UK’s best sandy beach in 2019, Saunton Sands in Devon is a firm favourite with us. With over 3 miles of sandy white beaches, perfect for swimmers and surfers alike (there is even a surf school that caters for all ages from 5 to 95) who says ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’?
Whether you desire a romantic and relaxed week on the beach, or a family holiday that is jam packed with activities for all ages, Saunton Sands has something for everyone.

Discover it: Stay at the amazing Chalet Saunton – nestled next to Saunton Sands, a luxurious apartment hotel catering for couples and families alike.

2. Wander Lonely as a Cloud

The Lake District is England’s largest, and often cited as most picturesque, National Park. It was home to the poet William Wordsworth as well as the famous illustrator and children’s author Beatrix Potter. Spend your days visiting the breathtakingly beautiful countryside around Windermere or Connaston that inspired the words of Wordsworth and tales from Beatrix Potter.

No visit to the Lake District would be complete without sampling the famous Kendal Mint Cake – the original energy bar, used by Sir Edmund Hillary in the world’s first successful ascent of Everest. For families, try Another Place overlooking Lake Ullswater. Offering guests a kids club and one for teens it is, according to Conde Nast Traveller, ‘a thrilling new addition to Cumbria’s previously stuffy hotel scene’.

Discover it: For couples, check out the Brimstone Hotel – this ultra chic chalet is for adults only and is the ultimate luxury haven after a day out exploring the countryside.

3. A Taste of Italy?

North Wales, home to Snowdonia National Park, the famous Blaenau Ffestiniog steam railway and a host of stunning fishing villages and beautiful beaches, makes a perfect base for a memorable family staycation.

But hidden amongst the traditional Welsh architecture and landscape is Portmeirion, a complete village designed and based on the Italian village of Portofino. Portmeirion has been used for many film sets and TV shows – the most famous of which is The Prisoner and you can learn all about this dystopian TV series as you meander through the village.

For families there is so much to do; the nearby sandy beaches of Abersoch and LLandudno are perfect for toddlers, with a beach club and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. Local fishermen still sell their freshly caught crabs and lobsters directly from the harbour. Ask them nicely and they may take you out on their next trip!

Discover it: For self catering we love the cottages at the Portmeirion Hotel, but if you want luxury and romance try Château Rhianfa, less than an hour’s drive away and set overlooking the Menai Straits.

4. Live like a Billionaire

Sandbanks in Poole is reputedly amongst the world’s top 5 most expensive places to buy real estate. Christened Britain’s Palm Beach by many – and no wonder! – this beach has won more blue flag beach awards than any other in the UK and provides access to the largest and most varied water-sports equipment and tuition available at any UK resort. Try kite-surfing or paddle-boarding – you will find superb world class instructors for any water-sport you want to try out.  And every weekend during the summer months there is the evening spectacle of fireworks to enjoy from the beach.

Discover it: To be at the centre of the action stay at the Sandbanks Hotel which has an indoor pool to accommodate any vagrancies in the British weather.

5. Make Magical Memories in the Woods

The Cotswolds are renowned for their quaint sandstone chocolate box villages, but nestled inside a 400 acre private estate, you will find a selection of luxury tree houses, beautifully converted stables and farm houses, all accessed via a boat on its own private island. This fantasy village, called The Fish, is a collection of beautifully restored traditional buildings alongside ethically built tree houses.
These luxurious tree houses each boast a wood burning stove as well as bunk beds for the kids. And what family holiday wouldn’t be complete without Man’s Best Friend? Yes, your beloved family pooch is also welcome here. Every afternoon at 4pm these special guests are all given a doggie version of afternoon tea.

Discover it: Our iChauffeur insider information: have a weekend without the children and stay in one of the beautiful hidden luxury lake cabins – The Fish Hotel.

Design your staycation with us

Of course, ‘getting there is half the fun’, although we would add ‘in style’ to the motto!  For two passengers we would recommend the Mercedes S-Class, recognised as the world’s finest saloon car. For those requiring something more rugged, the Range Rover Autobiography can handle even the most challenging of terrains; perfect for an adventurous family of four! The Mercedes V-Class comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers, with plenty of room for luggage.

Imagine your great escape

For a truly relaxing holiday in the UK, let our chauffeurs take you to your destination and be ‘at your service’ throughout your holiday, including driver-guiding, if required. Contact our friendly booking team who will be delighted to plan and customise your dream staycation. Relax, you are in safe hands. Learn more about staycation in style this summer.

To provide a getaway with a swoosh. To help you create your great escape. To make your journey a pleasure. To help keep you stay safe.

Seems staycations were already a thing

Before the pandemic, more than half of tourism businesses (55%) reported an increase in domestic tourism since 2017. According to holidaymakers, the main reason for the popularity of ‘staycations’ is convenience (34%)*, followed by a desire to revisit places they have been to before (21%)* according to research by Barclays Corporate Banking. (*Research polled 2,006 Brits who take holidays in the UK.)

Have a great Staycation!

From your iChauffeur Family

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