The top UK staycation destinations for 2026
Discover the UK's best staycation destinations for 2026, from tried-and-tested favourites to up-and-coming escapes.
For a while, the word "staycation" carried with it that faint air of compromise. The second-best option – something you chose because flights were expensive, plans fell through or international travel was simply not an option.
That idea has quietly, confidently disappeared.
As we head into 2026, UK staycations are no longer about settling for the less exciting. They're about choosing depth over distance, character over convenience and places that reward slower travel.
From dramatic coastlines to hidden villages and national parks that feel worlds away, the UK offers a wealth of extraordinary experiences. But more importantly, it offers the chance to escape without stress. No airport security queues. No delayed flights. No dreading the moment your carry-on luggage case might be declared too large. Bliss.
Best of all, when you travel on your own terms with the freedom to roam, detour and linger, those experiences become all the richer.
Ready to be inspired for your next getaway not far away? We've compiled a list of some of the top UK staycation destinations for 2026. Put these firmly on your holiday schedule.
The Northumberland Coast – big skies, quiet beaches, endless calm
Craving space this year? Northumberland delivers it in abundance.
This stretch of coastline is defined by wide, windswept beaches, dune-backed shores and villages that feel refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. Bamburgh Castle rises dramatically from the sand, while settlements like Alnmouth and Seahouses offer gentle charm without the crowds.
It's the kind of destination that rewards exploration. Imagine making stops at empty beaches with only the sounds of the sea to accompany your thoughts. Following coastal roads simply to see where they lead. And timing your days around tides and sunsets rather than timetables.
With a rental car, you can drift between sea and countryside effortlessly, turning a quiet coastal break into something deeply restorative.
The Lake District – beyond the hotspots
The Lake District has a long and well-deserved history as a UK staycation favourite. For 2026, however, the appeal lies in looking just a little beyond the surface.
While Windermere and Grasmere will always draw visitors – and for good reason – the western and northern Lakes offer a different rhythm entirely. Ennerdale, Wasdale and Bassenthwaite feel just a little bit wilder, less polished and wonderfully grounding.
Here, the roads are part of the experience. Skirting waterlines, you wind through valleys that suddenly open up to breathtaking views. It's the kind of place where just a short drive can transport you somewhere that feels utterly remote.
For travellers who want drama without density, this is the Lake District at its best.
H3: Pembrokeshire – the heart and soul of coastal adventure
Pembrokeshire has a magic that sneaks up on you.
Its coastal path stretches for miles, carving past cliffs, hidden coves and beaches that – on a good day – look almost Mediterranean.
But beyond the scenery, you'll find that wonderful character unique to Wales. Think small towns full of independent cafés, shops that cater for lovers of the outdoors and harbours where time moves at an entirely different pace.
In 2026, Pembrokeshire continues to appeal to those looking for action-packed days and cosy evenings. How about a bracing sea swim followed by hot chocolate? An exhilarating cliff walk ending in a pub dinner by a roaring fire? Or a spot of stargazing, far from the artificial night-time glow of the city?
With a vehicle to suit both you and the terrain, it's easy to reach quieter beaches, explore inland villages and experience Pembrokeshire at your own pace.
The Scottish Borders – quietly spectacular
Often overshadowed by the Highlands, the Scottish Borders remain one of the most underrated staycation destinations in the UK. But that's precisely their strength.
Rolling hills, winding rivers, historic abbeys and vast skies define the landscape here. It's ideal for thoughtful, curious travellers who love walking, history and gentle exploration rather than headline attractions.
Towns like Melrose, Peebles and Jedburgh offer warmth and character, while the surrounding countryside feels expansive and peaceful. Here in the Borders, you can take long drives with no real agenda and let the journey itself become the adventure.
For a calm, reflective break in 2026, the Borders are hard to beat.
North Yorkshire – variety in every direction
Want options? North Yorkshire delivers.
One day might take you across the moors beneath brooding skies, another along the dramatic coastline at Whitby or Robin Hood's Bay. Here, market towns, historic houses and miles of open countryside sit comfortably alongside one another.
What makes North Yorkshire especially appealing for a staycation is how easily you can shape any trip to suit your mood. Busy seaside afternoons? Easy. Empty moorland walks the next morning? Done.
With the flexibility of a car, you can mix landscapes, experiences and pace without feeling rushed or restricted.
Why flexibility matters for UK staycations
One of the great joys of a UK break is spontaneity – something that's harder to come by when you're tied to train schedules or fixed routes.
MVH Rental gives you the freedom to adapt with car hire that suits you. To let you leave early when the weather turns. Or to stay longer when a place takes you by surprise and captivates you. To take the scenic road simply because it looks inviting.
With MVH Rental, that flexibility becomes effortless. Whether you're planning a week-long escape or a long weekend of exploring, the right vehicle puts you in control. It lets you travel comfortably, carry everything you need and experience destinations fully rather than in fragments.
Make 2026 your year of exploration
The best staycations aren't about ticking places off a list. They're about making real memories – empty roads at sunrise, unexpected viewpoints, conversations in village cafés and the simple pleasure of going where curiosity leads you.
As 2026 approaches, the UK continues to offer remarkable places that feel both familiar and surprising. With the freedom of your own transport and a willingness to explore a little beyond the obvious, a staycation can feel just as rich, if not richer, than travelling overseas.
Wherever the road takes you next year, MVH Rental is here to help you get there comfortably, confidently and entirely on your own terms.
Are you staycationing and need to rent a car in the North East? At MVH Rental, we're famous among locals for our friendly, flexible service and affordable rates. You'll find us in Newcastle upon Tyne. Simply call 0191 4888 700 to get started.
