Whisper it, but you really don’t need to circle the Earth to see some jaw-dropping scenery. While the beaches of Bali or the canals of Amsterdam deserve their lofty reputation, there might be a similar experience waiting to be uncovered much closer to home.
Wondering where to staycation in the UK that’ll have you feeling like you’re on faraway shores? Let us give you our top South West recommendations!
1. Jurassic Coast
Instead of: Nusa Penida, Bali
Left: Nusa Penida, Bali | Right: The Jurassic Coast
On clear days, the stunning Jurassic Coast can look like tropical Bali (although we can’t promise similar temperatures). The impressive cliffs and sandy beaches mirror those of Nusa Penida but at a fraction of the cost of an international flight. With endless miles of the seafront to journey along, this World Heritage Site is easily among the best summer staycation ideas.
Top things to do
Old Harry Rocks – a dramatic chalk headland with stacks and arches, just north of Swanage
Chapman’s Pool – a sweeping bay famed for its shipwrecks, accessed by spectacular hiking paths
Gad Cliff – a colourful, other-worldly cliff formation that displays layers of beds, limestones and clays
How to get there
Since it stretches some 96 miles from near Exmouth to just past Swanage, there are lots of places you can use as a base for exploring the Jurassic Coast. Poole is an excellent spot at the coast's eastern end if you want to be near amenities like shops and restaurants but with easy access to all these natural draws. More central to the Jurassic Coast is charming Weymouth, which delivers just as much of that ‘seaside’ feel.
Left: Denbies, Dorking | Right: Vouvray Vineyard, Loire Valley
Ever dreamt of strolling among grapevines somewhere sunny in France? Then this is a staycation in the UK made for you. Less than an hour from London Waterloo, you’ll find an incredible replica of one of France’s premier wine-making regions.
Denbies Wine Estate is responsible for more than 10% of the entire UK’s planting, with an astonishing 265 acres of vineyard to discover here. Take your tour of the site, then stay behind to enjoy award-winning English wine on a par with anything you’ll find on the continent. You can even sample more fine local produce in one of the two on-site restaurants.
How to get there
You can reach the estate travelling via our railway network. Take the 50-minute direct service from London Waterloo to Dorking. From here, it’s a charming 17-minute walk or 3-minute taxi north through town and pretty countryside before you arrive at the vineyard.
3. Little Venice, London
Instead of: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Left: Little Venice, London | Right: Amsterdam
Everyone thinks they’ve just about discovered all there is to see in London – then a spot like Little Venice rears its head. This network of cute canals and leafy walkways is a perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful regency architecture of Maida Vale on the water or on the street
Top things to do
Lunch at Café Laville – light and colourful Mediterranean dishes served from a glass-fronted summerhouse
Regent’s Canal Waterbus – setting off from Little Venice, see London from a different angle as you wind your way between buildings, under bridges and across parks to reach Camden
Dinner at The Summerhouse – this chic and sophisticated seafood spot sits at the water’s edge
How to get there
If you’re taking our trains to London, the nearest station is Waterloo. Once you arrive, head down to the Underground and take the northbound Bakerloo Line to Paddington or Warwick Avenue.
4. Durdle Door
Instead of: Arch Rock, California
Left: Durdle Door | Right: Arch Rock
Just as beautiful but much closer to home, the beach at Durdle Door is a national gem. Easily one of the most photographed sights in Dorset, the impressive natural rock formation rises around 200 feet out of the sea – making it a spectacular companion to a day on the beach. Combine it with the (relatively) forgiving South Coast climate, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most visited spots on a summer holiday in the UK.
How to get there
Whether staying along the Jurassic Coast or heading in for the day, you can reach Durdle Door by travelling to Wool train station. It’s around 13 minutes in a taxi from there, or you can catch the X54 Jurassic Coaster bus right outside. It takes about 26 minutes to get to Durdle Door Park Entrance, from which there’s then an 8-minute walk to the beach.
5. Isle of Wight
Instead of: Sonoma Valley, California
Left: Rosemary Vineyard, Isle of Wight | Right: Sonoma Valley, California
The Isle of Wight’s milder weather makes it ideal for wine varieties that prefer a cooler climate. The Rosemary Vineyard takes perfect advantage with its south-facing slopes and sheltered valley spot. It’s the spitting image of Sonoma Valley vineyards; no passport required. Of course, wine is just one of many strings to the island’s bow, and this spot can be an excellent option for a family staycation in the UK.
Top things to do for families
Blackgang Chine – the UK’s oldest amusement park; a sprawling adventure play zone with rides, slides and shows for kids
Sandown Beach – a sweeping, golden sand beach on the island’s east coast that holds Blue Flag designation
Monkey Haven – this award-winning primate rescue centre let’s little ones get up close with species like gibbons, marmosets, and even meerkats and reptiles
How to get there
You’ll need to catch a ferry to reach the Isle of Wight. Since it often works out cheaper to combine your train and ferry tickets, why not leave your car at home? Arrive by rail at Portsmouth Harbour station, then catch the Wightlink Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head ferry service directly outside. It takes 22 minutes and will bring you to either Ryde Esplanade or Ryde Pier Head. You can now connect with rail and bus services that criss-cross the island.
6. Leighton House Museum
Instead of: Istanbul
Left: Leighton House Museum | Right: Istanbul
This little-known museum is the former home and studio of Frederic, Lord Leighton. Its architecture is a masterpiece in its own right, a shrine to the work of this legendary painter and sculptor. The UK’s only “studio-house” open to the public, the gem here is the incredible Arab Hall. A golden dome rises above you, and the intricate Islamic tiles and mosaics make it feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of Istanbul itself.
How to get there
You can get to the museum via Clapham Junction, where you’ll need to change for London Overground services to Kensington Olympia. Alternatively, you can travel door to door by using the number 49 bus, taking around 40 minutes.
7. Needles, Isle of Wight
Instead of: 12 Apostles, Australia
Left: The Needles, Isle of Wight | Right: The 12 Apostles, Australia
The Needles are famous as one of the most iconic landmarks on the Isle of Wight. But they’re also a fitting substitute for the Great Ocean Road’s 12 Apostles – a spectacular series of limestone pillars rising from the ocean. Enjoying a UK summer holiday in the South West? This natural marvel is undoubtedly worth making the journey for.
How to get there
Combine your train and ferry tickets and catch our South Western Railway service to Lymington Pier station. You can hop on the Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry, a pleasant trip across The Solent taking just 40 minutes. Once back on dry land at Yarmouth Pier, jump straight on the Needles Breezer or number 7 buses which will take you to The Needles.
8. Mayfield Lavender, Surrey Hills
Instead of: Provence, France
Left: Mayfield Lavender Farm | Right: Provence, France
The rolling hills of Provence are renowned the world over for their endless fields of lavender. But there’s plenty grown in the UK too. Summer brings incredible aromas, vivid colours and an opportunity to experience your own little slice of the continent. Mayfield Lavender Farm offers various ways to enjoy this spectacular setting, from sunset lavender yoga to picnic and Pimms packages.
How to get there
Catch South Western Railway services from London Waterloo to Epsom (Surrey). Take the 166 bus from Stop C beside the Clock Tower outside the station. After 40 minutes, you’ll need to hop off at the Fairlawn Grove stop, with the farm just five minutes walk straight up the road.
9. Kyoto and Fukushima Gardens
Instead of: Japan
Left: Kyoto Garden, London | Right: Tokyo, Japan
Few know it, but inside Holland Park is a little piece of Japan – the Kyoto and Fukushima Gardens. These beautiful botanical displays are filled with Japanese maple trees, koi ponds, stone lanterns and the odd roaming peacock! After a short while, you may forget you’re right at the heart of the UK’s capital.
How to get there
Arrive in London via Clapham Junction. You can change here for London Overground services to Kensington Olympia, which is a 12-minute walk from the gardens.
There you have nine UK staycation ideas in London and the South West where you’ll feel transported overseas. All are within easy reach thanks to the South Western Railway network. Start your holiday planning by searching our ticket types and choosing the correct train tickets for your trip. Don’t forget to see if you could save money with a Railcard or receive a discount for travelling as a group!
