With over 52% of Brits choosing to holiday at home in 2024, it’s clear that the UK’s patchwork of coastlines, hills and honey-stoned villages are more than just a backdrop, they’re a treasure trove of unforgettable moments waiting to be made.
As the cost of travelling abroad grows higher amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, so too does the appeal of the last-minute getaway right here in the UK. More and more travellers are skipping the months of planning and embracing the freedom of impromptu adventures, all within a few hours of home.
Whether it’s the call of the wild, the calm of a hidden spa, or simply the freedom of a spontaneous break, there’s something uniquely restorative about staying local. That’s why the team at cottages.com has created the UK Staycation Index: a curated guide to the best-kept-secret corners of the country, perfect for last-minute getaways that feel anything but rushed. So, if you fancy trying out somewhere new away from the crowds, cottages.com has you covered.
The staycation index has factored in points we know are important to Brits when it comes to amazing staycations, including:
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Search volumes
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Instagram-worthy scenery
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Availability of rentals for last-minute booking
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Hiking & biking trails
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Yoga studios, spas, climbing routes
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Pubs per 100 square miles
Underrated staycation gems
If you’re looking for somewhere new, away from the crowds, that still feels like a secret, these lesser-known gems are calling out for a chance to be discovered. look at the UK’s most underrated staycation spots
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Mendip Hills – Southwest England
619 hiking trails | Caving at Wookey Hole | 22 available properties
Dramatic gorges and easy-going trails, the Mendip Hills are Somerset’s best-kept secret. With sites like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, this AONB makes for a thrilling last-minute trip full of exploration and family-friendly fun, minus the tourist crowds.
The Mendips aren’t just beautiful, they’re geologically extraordinary. Whether you’re delving into caves lit like cathedrals or following secret limestone paths carved by water and time, it’s a landscape layered with wonder.
With 619 hiking trails and routes made for both cycling and walking, the Mendips are a playground for explorers. Climb to Crook Peak for sweeping views to the Bristol Channel, or follow woodland paths lined with wild garlic and bluebells in spring.
Just 40 minutes from Bristol, and yet worlds away, the Mendips are perfectly placed for a quick reset. With low search volumes and 22 available properties, it’s often skipped by crowds, making it a dream destination for last-minute planners who want exploration without the queues.
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Exmoor – Southwest England
Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve | Valley of the Rocks | 60 properties for quick stays
Tucked between North Devon and West Somerset, Exmoor is one of the UK’s true wildernesses. It is a land of mythic coastlines, ancient moors, and cosmic skies. Come for the rugged drama of Lynton and Lynmouth, stay for the uninterrupted stars and warm village pubs.
Exmoor was the first place in Europe to be designated a Dark Sky Reserve, and for good reason. With barely any light pollution, the night here is velvet-black and full of stars. Bring a blanket, lie back on the heather, and watch the Milky Way reveal itself. No booking required and no sound but the owls.
From the craggy grandeur of the Valley of the Rocks, where feral goats scale limestone cliffs, to the sea-smashed shores of Lynmouth and Porlock, Exmoor is coastal walking at its most cinematic.
Ideal for romantic escapes, solo resets, or family adventures, Exmoor delivers unexpected wonder.
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North Pennines – North of England
57 properties for quick stays | 100+ walking routes | UNESCO Global Geopark
This UNESCO Global Geopark is rugged, remote, and totally restorative. With trails that seem designed for reflection and views that stretch for miles, North Pennies is the perfect destination for those who decide last-minute that they need space and meaning.
Few sights refresh quite like the cascade of High Force or the misty veil of Cauldron Snout. These spectacular waterfalls, tucked in deep valleys, feel like nature’s own cathedrals; places to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
In spring and summer, the hills bloom with rare orchids, bluebells, and heather. Birds like curlews and red grouse fill the skies. The North Pennines’ rich ecosystems invite quiet observation, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
With just over 50 properties available for spontaneous bookings, these cottages are havens of peace. Perfect for those craving solitude and soul-stirring scenery.
Commenting on the rankings, Richard Banks, Marketing Director at cottages.com, said: “Exploring the countryside offers a powerful way to reconnect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage that surrounds us. It supports local communities, encourages more sustainable travel, and nurtures a stronger sense of place and personal wellbeing. From gentle hills to secluded valleys, the UK’s rural landscapes provide enriching experiences that rival even the most exotic getaways. Often, the most meaningful journeys are those that lead us back to the wonders of home.”
Why last-minute never looked so good
Forget the airport queues. With thousands of picturesque properties, same-week availability, and natural wonders right on your doorstep, the UK is perfectly positioned for a quick, soul-refreshing break. Be it a weekend in the wilderness, or a midweek escape to rolling hills and quiet pubs.
The UK is home to countless stunning destinations, and with so many last-minute getaways available, the toughest part is deciding where to explore. Discover more at cottages.com.