When it comes to planning a UK staycation, there’s no shortage of stunning locations to choose from. Whether you’re after hiking, relaxation, fun at the seaside or gourmet experiences, popular picks include Cornwall and the Lake District. But these famous spots can be famously busy… Padstow in August can feel more like Piccadilly Circus than an unspoilt fishing village, for example.
If you want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of beautiful UK holiday destinations that might not be on your radar, where you can discover dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside and hidden culture.
So we caught up with travel expert Aimee Hodgkin, Hotel Curation and Partnerships Director at Mr & Mrs Smith, to get her insider tips. Aimee spends her time scouting out unique stays for the boutique travel brand, and has developed a knack for discovering hidden gems and special places.
Here are her favourite under-the-radar staycation destinations that you may not have considered…
1.The Suffolk Coast
Steve Stringer Photography//Getty Images
Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture at Aldeburgh beach is a tribute to composer Benjamin Britten, who lived and worked there
If you’re after an unspoilt coastal escape, head east. “The Suffolk Coast has a unique, understated magic – windswept shingle beaches, salt marshes rich with birdlife, and a landscape that invites you to slow your stride,” says Aimee. “Towns like Orford and Aldeburgh offer a mix of cultural depth and wild, coastal charm.”
Related StoryWhere to stay
On the grounds of 16th-century Paradise Farm, Restaries’ retreats offer a slower pace of life. “It’s a place where architectural restraint meets soulful design,” says Aimee. “The interiors are beautifully spare, yet comforting, with carefully sourced furniture and an unfocused sense of calm.
“Food is a highlight – local, seasonal and unfussy, often served fireside or in the garden under the Suffolk skies. It’s a retreat designed for thoughtful rest, where every detail feels intentional and the surrounding landscape does most of the talking.”
Courtesy of Restaries
Courtesy of Restaries
2. South Devon
Devon and Cornwall Photography//Getty Images
“South Devon offers some of the UK’s most unspoiled countryside, but it’s a region that often slips under the radar in favour of the coast,” Aimee explains. “Rolling hills, ancient woodlands and winding lanes give it a quietly cinematic quality, perfect for those seeking stillness and space.”
Where to stay
For a restorative rural experience, Aimee recommends a quietly luxurious retreat on a regenerative farm: “Fowlescombe Farm sits within a historic estate and offers a collection of converted barns and cottages that balance rustic charm with thoughtful, design-led simplicity. Think exposed beams, soft linens, and windows that open onto endless green.
“The food is rooted in the land – seasonal, nourshing and entirely estate-sourced. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with slow rhythms, and with a more grounded kind of luxury.”
Jon Tonks
MATTHEW HAGUE
3. Deal, Kent
NSritawat
Coastal towns can sometimes veer into tacky territory, and often get busy on sunny days – but there’s a spot in Kent that’s full of sophistication: “Deal is one of those seaside towns that quietly wins you over,” says Aimee. “It has charm in spades, from its Georgian townhouses and pebbled beach to the growing crop of independent shops and galleries.
“There’s a creative energy to it, but without the self-consciousness of bigger coastal names. It feels lived-in, local, and full of hidden gems.” After exploring its streets and alleys, try brunch at the end of the pier or walk along the coast to Hut 55 for coffee and ice cream.
Where to stay
Base yourself just outside town at Updown Farmhouse, which Aimee describes as “a beautifully-restored 17th-century farmhouse where rustic elegance meets relaxed hosting”.
“The food is exceptional, the setting effortlessly romantic, and it captures that sweet spot between countryside retreat and coastal escape,” she says. “It’s one of those places you check into and immediately feel like you’ve discovered something special.”
Yuki Sugiura
Ben Eagle
4. Marshwood Vale, Dorset
Ashley Cooper//Getty Images
Dorset is best known for the Jurassic Coast, but a stone’s throw inland you’ll be met by unspoilt rolling hills and tranquillity. Aimee describes it as “one of Dorset’s most quietly beautiful pockets”, saying: “This often-overlooked corner of the country offers a gentler pace – charming villages, windswept coastal paths, and a landscape that shifts from farmland to sea with quiet drama.”
Where to stay
For a soothing sanctuary deeply rooted in nature, look no further than Louma. “Set on a 100-acre estate of vineyards, meadows and stables, Louma blends pastoral charm with pared-back, contemporary luxury,” says Aimee. “Its 17 rooms are individually designed with natural textures, warm wood and generous light, creating a serence atmosphere that mirrors the land outside.
It features a wellness barn, with indoor and outdoor pools, spa and yoga space. Food is farm-to-fork; Aimee describes it as “hyper-local, seasonal and never fussy”. She sums up: “Louma is the kind of retreat that doesn’t shout, but stays with you long after you leave – thoughtful, unhurried and grounded in the beautiful countryside around it.”
Jonathan Bond Photography
Jonathan Bond Photography
Our pick of staycation essentials
Quencher® H2.0 FlowState™ Tumbler | 0.8L
Stay cool and hydrated in style – this new buttery-yellow floral design from Stanley exudes summer country charm. It will keep your drink cold all day, plus fits perfectly in car drinks holders for road trips.
These sturdy boots are comfy enough for long days exploring and smart enough for eating out – it’s a win win. They’re available in a fun range of colours for men and women.
Garnier Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Dry Mist Sun Cream Spray
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Whatever you do, don’t forget to pack sun protection. Even if it doesn’t look all that sunny, if you’re anything like us, you WILL get burned. This water-resistent UVA & UVB spray makes application effortless, so there really is no excuse.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.