On 3rd July, the UK government published the full list of countries where travel for holidays will not be followed by a 14-day quarantine upon the return of the travellers. Most of these countries have also agreed to lift quarantine for UK arrivals. Many British holiday makers were excited they would be able to enjoy the sunny Spanish beaches, drink wine in France and savour authentic Italian food. But quite a few of the popular summer holiday destinations didn’t make the list. Aside from the inconvenience for some immigrant workers, these travel restrictions could be just what the British economy needed.

More people are thinking about British Tourism

Yes, summer in the UK is not as hot and sunny as in Portugal or Greece, but we do have a number of beautiful beaches, picturesque natural landscapes, historic monuments and attractions worth visiting. On 4th July, the restrictions on the hospitality sector were lifted and people are now able to book hotel rooms or entire serviced accommodations.

A lot of museums, action parks and farms open their doors for visitors from mid July or early August.

In our previous blog post, we shared with you the top 10 tourists destinations in the UK for 2020. From the mighty Scottish islands, full of historic spirit, through culture-rich Oxford, down to beautiful and lively Plymouth.

Hotels have already started bookings for non-essential stay through July and August in various parts of the UK. Similar is the case with AirBnB, independent holiday lets and serviced apartments. This means more people who work in the hospitality industry will be able to keep their jobs rather than relying on government help.

Hotels and holiday lets being back in business creates more jobs for other local and smaller businesses like cleaning companies, for example. Housekeeping and maintenance services are often outsourced to such organisations or independent cleaners. Statistically, a large percentage of the workforce in that industry is formed by Eastern European immigrants, who under current travel restrictions are discouraged from travelling back to their countries for the summer. This would mean, there are enough workers to meet the demand if it surges in the coming weeks.

Staying Home this Summer is Safer

Not travelling abroad this summer might be the more sensible option from a health perspective. The coronavirus seems to be still much active in many European and other countries around the world. Even the travel destinations with which the UK has established air bridges still have over 100 new registered cases per day. Tourist spots would be the fastest places to flare up not long after the flights start bringing holiday makers.

Furthermore, due to Brexit, some European countries started denying the validity of European Health Insurance Cards. Therefore, you will need to have a separate holiday health insurance to receive medical help during your time away.

Where to Stay on Your Staycation

Although you may be used to hotels and room service, if you are up for exploring the British countryside and beautiful sights, we recommend staying in a self-contained short let accommodation. This way you will enjoy in full a peaceful environment, your privacy and will be able to immerse into the local culture.

You can find enchanting cottages across the country with rustic interiors but fully functional and convenient. What’s more, staying in a serviced accommodation is safer than in a hotel. There are minimal chances of cross contamination and infection control is easier.

If you are planning a family trip, short lets should be the first thing you consider. Your holiday should be all about relaxation and making memories.

Would you be visiting a British town or area for your summer holiday this year?

This summer is all about British tourism. Although the government has negotiated several air bridges with several holiday destinations, many people prefer to stay in the UK and explore the picturesque countryside. We are definitely all for it and to make your choice for British holiday easier we put together the top 10 tourist destinations in the UK for 2020. Enjoy!

1. Plymouth

Plymouth has one of the finest British coastlines. Situated in Devon, the place attracts many tourists each year. It is a lively city with activities for everyone. Plymouth is the home of the National Marine Aquarium where you can see sharks and rays swimming around you. Almost like you would if you were scuba diving. Near the city there are many nature landscapes worth visiting and spending a few still moments there.

2. Lake District

Lake District is not only one of the popular tourist destinations for Britons but also for international travellers. It’s located in northwest England, in the Cumbria region. The place is a perfect choice for nature lovers and people who are looking for relaxation above all.

3. Yorkshire

If you are a keen fan of British history and medieval architecture, you would have a blast in Yorkshire. This whole region of north England is known for its rich Roman and Viking heritage. The houses of the famous Tudor rulers are also located there. In the area there are also 2 outstanding national parks and many museums.

4. Oxford

Up for a cultural trip? There is no better place than Oxford. Starting with the emblematic Oxford university, the entire Oxfordshire region has countless offers for an unforgettable summer holiday. In the area you will find many local farms, national parks, museums and shopping venues. Some of the brightest attractions in Oxfordshire are the Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Churchill and the Bicester Shopping Village. When you go to Oxfordshire make sure you book a serviced apartment or a holiday let instead of a hotel. This way you will be able to fully enjoy your privacy and truly savour the time spent in the countryside.

5. Tewkesbury

Tewekesbury is a market town in the West Midlands. It’s part of the Gloucestershire region, known for its incredible natural beauty. Not too far from the town is Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Imagine what a peaceful time you would spend in one of the cosy cottages local villagers offer to tourists.

6. Bodmin

Another great place in southwest England to visit this summer is Bodmin. It’s an urban town with rich cultural and historic heritage. One of the most popular attractions there is the Bodmin jail. It was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is opening its gates for visitors again on 1st August.

7. South Downs

One more fantastic spot for nature-loving holiday makers is South Downs. It is known for its chalk hills extending to the south eastern coastline. You can enjoy clean and serene beaches without many visitors and if you feel like having fun and more human interaction, Brighton is just an hour away.

8. Alderney

If you feel like having an island holiday, we have the perfect suggestion - Alderney on the Channel Islands. It is a tiny piece of land where it will be just you, historic sights and the ocean. And if you feel a little bit more adventurous, France is only an hour sailing away.

9. Outer Hebrides

Scotland is a truly magical country and one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the UK for 2020 is Outer Hebrides. It’s a chain of islands off the west side of mainland Scotland and absolutely stunning during summer. Here you can immerse in Gaelic culture and explore unique wildlife.

10. Wye Valley

Wye Valley is another area of outstanding natural beauty, sitting at the border between England and Wales. It is a rural area with incredible landscapes. It is where the Netflix original Sex Education was filmed and is now one of the hottest tourist destinations in the UK for 2020.

No matter where you decide to spend your summer holiday, don’t forget to make yourself comfortable and fully enjoy your time away from home. Hotels can be stressful and perhaps not so safe in the current global health conditions. Serviced apartments and holiday lets are by far the better choice.