Why Staycations?
Ever since the pandemic started, staycations have become increasingly popular in the UK, with people discovering beautiful holiday destinations without having to spend money on plane tickets to go abroad. With the current cost of living crisis, now is the perfect time to explore closer to home and save money with a staycation! Whilst there are many great spots to visit in the UK, the East of England has always been a popular destination and has grown in demand over recent years.
Data from the Office of National Statistics tells us that when compared with pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, visits abroad are still down. In December 2022, visits were down by 21% from the 5.1 million made in December 2019. This shows that more people may be opting to choose a staycation over a holiday abroad recently.
From quintessential cottages in rural Norfolk to scenic days out in Cambridge, to unique places to eat in Suffolk; there is a wealth of things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to eat at, in this beautiful part of the UK.
Accommodation
Choosing the type of accommodation suited to your needs can be a lengthy but insightful process. Even if you browse through options that do not suit your needs right now, it can provide inspiration for future trips and you can find all sorts of accommodation options you never knew existed.
With the rise in staycations in recent years, the variety of accommodation in the east of England has increased in line with this. This is particularly true in the form of unique glamping accommodation, from converted helicopters to luxury tipis in the countryside – you can find all sorts of unique and wonderful accommodation options in this picturesque area of England.
Whatever type of accommodation you decide upon, it is sure to provide a good base from which to explore the region.
Activities
Many tourists and locals alike visit the East of England for its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and unique activities.
A great example of this is evident when it comes to the beautiful city of Cambridge by combining all three elements into one. The city, steeped in history, offers a fantastic way to view the sights in the form of punting and these year-round tours provide the perfect way to explore some of the most iconic buildings here in the UK.
Recently voted the East of England’s most popular free attraction, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge provides a great day out, especially for those rainy days, with the museum displaying some remarkable collections from the ancient world. A range of great ideas for days out can be found here.
While many like to visit the likes of Cornwall and Dorset for a beach getaway, the East of England has some of the most idyllic beaches of anywhere in the UK. Southwold and Aldeburgh in Suffolk are renowned for their appeal to tourists. From quintessential fish and chips to picturesque walks along the coast, these seaside towns make for a fantastic, peaceful getaway.
Restaurants
The East of England is known for its excellent food and drink. The region boasts a wide range of fine dining options, from quaint coffee shops to fine dining restaurants.
Whether you are no stranger to Michelin star restaurants with AA rosettes or you enjoy good quality food made with fresh, local ingredients, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to eating out in the East of England. A simple Google search will return a wealth of dining options in the region including the likes of Milsoms, the countryside pub chain Debeninns and much more.
Exploring the Area
Many people choose to visit the area to explore the picturesque countryside.
If you’re looking for a quintessentially English staycation, the East of England is one of the best areas to visit. Scattered with rural towns, quaint villages, expanses of countryside and beautiful coastline, this is an ideal place to unwind. Many people choose to visit Suffolk to explore the famous ‘Constable Country’, a range of rustic villages on the Suffolk/Essex border that were made famous by the English landscape painter John Constable.
There are a range of websites that put together unique trails across the area allowing you to plan days out with ease. These can be viewed virtually at first allowing you to get an idea of the various places to visit before planning your journey. Take a look at such examples of unique county and days out guides here.
After all this information you may be thinking about a staycation this year in the East of England, well if you do you won’t be disappointed.
Posted on February 12th, 2021, by the Traditional Punting Company
