OK so we are still in complete lockdown but with the vaccine rolling out we can start to see light at the end of the tunnel, and we can start to think about holidays again. In fact, Boris Johnson said he is “optimistic people will be able to have summer holidays this year” (BBC News 1.1.21)
But realistically going on holiday is going to look very different for some time to come. Hopping on a plane to Spain, Portugal and the like will be more difficult with Covid tests and quarantines to consider. Not to mention the inevitable price increases as tour operators and airlines try to recoup lost revenue. What’s more – Will we have the confidence to fly away and stay in large hotels? After months of isolating with our immediate family and restricting contact with others some of us may find ourselves reluctant to travel in the same way as before.
So, should we become despondent? -No, not at all!
Should a return to our grandparents’ British Seaside holiday fill us with dread? Absolutely not!
With an abundance of beautiful parts of Britain to discover and some luxury self-catering accommodation to give you your own space, the UK self-catering holiday not only becomes a very safe way to travel but also the most desirable way to holiday in 2021.
Of all the beautiful parts of the UK ready and waiting to welcome the British holidaymakers, the Yorkshire Coast has some of the most outstanding and picturesque coastline and beaches which adjoin the scenic North Yorkshire Moors National Park. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty from rocky shores to high cliffs, from quaint fishing villages to bustling seaside towns, there is something for everyone.
In Scarborough, the safe sandy beaches are a firm family favourite and on a glorious sunny day will rival any Spanish Costa. There is culture too with the medieval castle in Scarborough and the Abbey in Whitby (inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/. There is also the nationally renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough offering superb quality entertainment www.sjt.uk.com/
The more adventurous are able to learn to surf off the Yorkshire Coast with a thriving surf school offering lessons for all levels. https://scarboroughsurfschool.co.uk/ Or Dalby Forest within the National Park has many challenging mountain biking tracks https://www.forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest
If zooming down zip wires is your thing then Go Ape will be right up your street and it’s located in the same Dalby Forest https://goape.co.uk/
During the national lockdown and the closure of swimming pools more and more people started open water swimming and there is an excellent water park just outside Scarborough for those who enjoy this https://www.northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk/open-water-swimming/
Toning it down a little for those who just like to walk and particularly with our four legged friends there are many attractive walks including the Cleveland Way, 175KM of walks through heather moorland and stunning coastal scenery https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/cleveland-way/
This is only a brief insight of things to do, there’s much more on offer too!
So we certainly won’t get bored on our staycation but where to stay? Where can you feel confident to take your family in a post Covid Britain?
First and foremost look for the Visit England Good to Go accreditation. Any business displaying the “Good to Go” logo has been investigated by Visit England to ensure they have put in place all possible measures for visitors’ safety. They all have Covid 19 risk assessments in place outlining cleanliness protocols and social distancing measures that must align with government’s official guidance. This provides a “ring of confidence” when choosing a place to stay.
Self-catering accommodation undoubtedly provides even more confidence as you will be in control of the environment and will only need to come into contact with your own family should that be what you wish. There are other advantages too such as contactless key collection meaning you can check in without meeting the owner. You quite simply have a home away from home!
Let’s not forget another advantage of staying in the UK for your holiday – There are no currency issues or exchange rates nor will there be any waiting at passport checks, (something that will be more prevalent now we aren’t in the EU). Some accommodation providers particularly those using the booking platforms may need to increase their rates but you can always get round this by booking direct and avoiding commissions paid to those booking platforms. Remember if they say it is only the owner who pays the fee they will be sure to pass it on to the guests, But by booking directly with the owner you can be sure of the place you are going and that you will get a fair price and have assurance on the booking terms – most are offering free cancellation during these uncertain times.
Ok so we have amazing places to visit with lots to do and we can be confident of the places we stay, particularly when we book direct, but let’s be honest what we can’t guarantee is that a UK Staycation will have wall to wall sunshine!
However, that’s where accommodation like Home Farm House comes into it’s own. The large heated indoor swimming pool with its many inflatables is perfect for family fun on a grey day, in fact is perfect on a cold wet January day too! Equally it’s great for an early morning exercise swim before a day out sightseeing in York or Whitby or after a day on the beach. The 12 Metre pool is large enough for all the family to be in together, and as it’s completely private the kids can play with the inflatables with out worry. Packing your swimsuit, goggles and inflatable unicorn will be just as important to come to Home Farm House as it would be fly away to Costa Del Sol!
So it’s all good news – our summer holidays 2021 don’t need to be compromised. Let’s just hope this lockdown ends soon but remember to get planning and booking – the UK self catering staycation is going to be popular. Don’t miss out!!
