Top staycations in the Midlands
Travel Guides

Top staycations in the Midlands

15th September 2022

Easily accessible from all across the UK, the Midlands covers a huge swathe of central Britain and is steeped in art, history, and culture. The Midlands is also home to a number of outstanding natural spots and visitors to the area really are spoiled for choice when it comes to gorgeous scenery, rolling hills, and ancient forests.

If you’re considering a trip to the Midlands, then why not take a look at some of our favourite staycation destinations in the area?

Top staycations in the Midlands

The Peak District National Park

We can’t stress just how much we love the Peak District here at Coolstays. And, with the majority of the park lying within the East Midlands county of Derbyshire, it poses a fantastic option for anyone looking to take their next staycation in this part of the UK.

Home to some of this country’s most inspiring, scenic landscapes, the Peak District is a treasure trove of fantastic walking and cycling routes; idyllic bridleways; and hidden, secluded camping spots. Just don’t forget to bring your hiking boots!

Where should you go?

Mam Tor is one of the most famous walks in the entire Peak District and should be on any hiker’s list. Standing at 517 metres high near Castleton, ‘Mother Hill’ offers some of the best picture-postcard-views around allowing you to take in the dry limestone gorge of Winnats Pass - another spot that’s worth a visit!

Sitting north-west of Bamford, Win Hill is another cracking hike with yet more inspiring views. And finally, anyone in love with the Peak District simply must venture up Kinder Scout. It’s the tallest of the hills in the area, and hiking to its summit has become something of a right of passage for Peak District hillwalkers.

The Peak District also has a number of quaint villages that offer a quintessentially English day out thanks to their riverside walks, historic churches, intermittent sheep-dipping, independent shops, hotels, art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. Two Peak District villages that really stand out are Ashford-In-The-Water and Bakewell. So make sure you add these to your list and give them a visit during your trip!

Top Coolstays near the Peak District

The House at Honeybridge Estate

The House at Honeybridge Estate

Ashurst

12 + 6 kids

This luxurious property is located in picturesque Ashurst, West Sussex and boasts an infinity swimming pool, hot tub, and an all-weather tennis court set in 17 acres of private gardens.

Silhouette's Stable

Silhouette's Stable

Chichester

Sleeps 4

Stunning converted stable with hot tub in the beautiful South Downs National Park.

The Windsor Tapestries

The Windsor Tapestries

Old Windsor

Sleeps 9

Stunning 19th century home in Old Windsor that perfectly blends old world charm with opulent, modern-day touches.

Hut on the Lake

Hut on the Lake

Newdigate

Sleeps 2

The Hut on the Lake is your luxury couples' waterside retreat. Relax and recharge in the beautiful Surrey countryside.

The Artist's House

The Artist's House

Chichester

Sleeps 8

Remarkable and stylish beachfront home with opulent, modern interiors and direct access to Selsey Beach in West Sussex.

Top staycations in the Midlands
Shropshire image courtesy of Sam Romilly via Flickr Creative Commons.

Shropshire Hills AONB

If there’s a better spot for an autumn stroll in the Midlands than the Shropshire Hills, then we’ve not seen it. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a quarter of Shropshire and sits on the border of England and Wales.

When it comes to geology, Shropshire is one of Britain’s most significant counties, thanks to the fact that it displays 11 of the 13 recognised periods. Hikers, bikers, and ramblers, will be able to enjoy heath-covered hills, picturesque valleys, and beautiful ancient woodland.

Where should you go?

If you’re out for a stroll, be sure to visit the Linley Beeches that stand tall on Linley Hill. These proud and beautiful trees are fascinating to look at and offer a tranquil walk through their twisting shadows, as you gaze out at the views. Another fab walk would be Caer Caradoc Hill. This ancient hill fort dates back to either the Iron or Late Bronze Age, and the stiff climb to the top is well worth it, as the hill’s summit offers a great place from which to see far and wide.

The heath and moorland plateau of Long Mynd is another popular walking route that we would recommend, and once you set off you’ll see why this spot has earned itself the nickname ‘Little Switzerland’.

The historic Market Town of Church Stretton sits in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Wander the picturesque streets of this charming town and its surrounding villages as you gaze up at the tall hills that surround you. Enjoy a pint or a lovely pub lunch, or take part in some fun activities such as hang gliding or paragliding!

Top Coolstays near the Shropshire Hills

Hygge and Fika At Everards Farm

Hygge and Fika At Everards Farm

Chewton Mendip

2 per cabin

Two modern cabins combining indoor-outdoor living with an outdoor jacuzzi bath, incredible views and sleek, cosy interiors in rural Somerset.

Off The Bitton Track

Off The Bitton Track

Bath

Sleeps 10

Stylish barn conversion with a heated indoor pool and a hot tub located between Bath and Bristol, perfect for a peaceful family getaway.

Orchardleigh Boathouse

Orchardleigh Boathouse

Frome

Sleeps 2

Romantic and secluded boathouse overlooking a lake in the grounds of a grand estate in the heart of the Somerset countryside.

Jacks Barn

Jacks Barn

Bath

Sleeps 10

Beautiful barn with space for the whole family and access to an indoor pool on a farm in the Mendip Hills.

Coombe Barn

Coombe Barn

Blagdon

Sleeps 8

Beautiful barn in the Mendip Hills with charming rustic interiors, modern amenities and amazing rural surroundings.

Top staycations in the Midlands

Malvern Hills AONB

Somehow, the Malvern Hills still remain a bit of an undiscovered gem. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most inspiring stretches of countryside in England. Think looming hill forts, sprawling oak forests, and pretty, medieval priories.

With, yes you guessed it, some amazing walking routes and stunning views on offer, the Malvern Hills is up there with the Peak District and the Shropshire Hills for family days out in the country. Dog walkers, cyclists, hikers, and lovers of British countryside will never tire of this peaceful stretch of hills in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and a small area of northern Gloucestershire.

Where should you go?

Sir Edward Elgar is renowned as England’s greatest composer and The Elgar Route is a popular walking trail that offers up a marvellous array of sights, including the composer’s favourite spots and the breathtaking scenery that inspired so much of his music.

You may also wish to go for a jaunt up the Worcester Beacon or the equally impressive Herefordshire Beacon where you can explore the earthworks and defensive ditches of the British Camp Iron Age Fort.

If you don’t fancy putting your hiking boots on, then you may wish to visit Great Malvern’s Priory Park. This beautiful park is filled with mature trees and sits around the edge of a large duck pond spanned by a couple of bridges. You can enjoy sitting by the water’s edge, or gather around the Victorian bandstand which plays host to free Sunday afternoon concerts during the summer months. Picton Garden is another option in Great Malvern, with wonderful and unusual plants aplenty!

Top Coolstays near the Malvern Hills

Nature's Edge Cabin

Nature's Edge Cabin

Alfrick Pound

Sleeps 2

Gorgeous cabin for two with exclusive use of a sauna, hot tub, cinema and pizza oven, with amazing views of the surrounding Worcestershire countryside.

Elsie's Cottage

Elsie's Cottage

Bromsberrow

Sleeps 4

Set amongst the peaceful countryside of Malvern Hills, this cosy cottage with an outdoor hot tub makes the perfect peaceful retreat.

Fuggle Treehouse at One Acre Wood

Fuggle Treehouse at One Acre Wood

Bishops Frome

4 +2 kids

Whimsical and wonderful Herefordshire treehouse up high in the woodland canopy with fire pit, log burner and copper bath beneath the stars.

Bramling Treehouse at One Acre Wood

Bramling Treehouse at One Acre Wood

Bishops Frome

Sleeps 6

Immerse yourself in nature at this luxury treehouse in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside

Upsticks Glamping

Upsticks Glamping

Malvern

6 per lodge

Luxurious safari-style glamping lodges with hot tubs tucked away amongst the beautiful scenery of the Malvern Hills.

Top staycations in the Midlands

Lincolnshire Wolds AONB

With its fantastic location just a short hop from the East Coast of England, the Linconlshire Wolds is an ideal destination for those of you who want to split your time between rambling on trails and getting sand between your toes on picturesque beaches.

The Lincolnshire Wolds is another designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has traditional agriculture and ancient history woven into its DNA. This landscape still bears the impression of long-gone ancient settlements, as well as vast stretches of beautiful farmland. Wander its rolling hills, explore quaint chalk streams, and meander your way around its idyllic hamlets all at your own pace and enjoy this marvellously peaceful part of the UK.

Where should you go?

The Red Hill Nature Reserve is one of the most picturesque spots in the area. A former barley field that’s returned to a wildflower meadow, Red Hill offers a wide range of pretty flowers and lovely views of the criss-crossing fields all around. The variety of seasonal flowers on offer makes this an ever-changing colourful vista that has to be on your list!

The marvellous 76-mile Lincolnshire Wolds Way is a circular trail that takes you on a winding ramble from pub to pub, allowing you to discover the birthplace of Tennyson, whilst taking in all that this classic slice of English countryside has to offer.

Another spot that’s well worth your time is the fab Claythorpe Water Mill. This family run spot is sat in the grounds of an 18th Century watermill. Here you can sit by the river watching the animals, or enjoy some tea and cake in the cafe.

Top Coolstays near the Lincolnshire Wolds

Calair Cottage

Calair Cottage

Lochearnhead

Sleeps 6

Escape to rural Perthshire, Scotland with a visit to the charming Calair Cottage, boasting a wood-fired hot tub, log fire and stunning mountain views

Kabn

Kabn

Cairndow

Cabins sleeping 2

Two multi award winning architect designed cabins for two with loch views, wood-burning stoves and private beaches in West Scotland

Lux Compact Cabin

Lux Compact Cabin

Perthshire

Sleeps 2

A luxury cabin in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, with king-sized bed, ensuite shower room and kitchen, perfect for a couples' retreat.

In The Trees

In The Trees

Balquhidder

2-4

Designed by famed architect George Clarke, this award-winning, unique, and contemporary hotel overlooks Loch Voil and sits in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Tiny House Mhor

Tiny House Mhor

Lochearnhead

Sleeps 2

Plan the perfect couples' retreat with a visit to Tiny House Mhor in Balquhidder, Perthshire, an eco-friendly property with a fire pit, wood burner and countryside views.

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