Rediscovering the UK in 2026: Staycation Trends for Relaxation and Recharging

Caistor Lakes
Dec 28, 2025
3 min read

As 2026 unfolds, UK holiday-makers are embracing staycations like never before — but with a fresh set of priorities. No longer just a seaside B&B or a quick city break, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of intentional, restorative travel. Here’s what we’re seeing as the big trends for UK staycations this year.

🧘‍♀️ 1. Well-Being Comes First

Holiday-makers are seeking more than a change of scenery — they want true relaxation.

Slow mornings, open skies, digital detoxes, and mindful mornings are rising in demand.
Wellness programmes — from guided yoga to forest bathing walks — are becoming as sought after as the accommodation itself.
Spa facilities, meditation spaces, and holistic therapies are moving into the spotlight.

👉 The new benchmark for a great staycation? A holiday that leaves you calmer than when you arrived.

🌳 2. Rural Escapes Over Seaside Bustle

While seaside towns will always have fans, 2026 stays are trending inland and away from busy tourist hubs.

Rolling hills, quiet valleys, woodland hideaways and farm stays are capturing imaginations.
Regions like the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Cornwall’s inland villages, the Scottish Highlands, and the Welsh countryside are hot on everyone’s list.
Easy-access rural retreats are also winning with travellers who want nature without a long journey.

These spots offer space, peace, and a chance to truly unplug — perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

✨ 3. Luxury Is No Longer a Guilty Pleasure

Luxury staycations are booming — and they’re not just about plush interiors.

Hot tubs, sauna pods, private fire pits, outdoor bathtubs, and heated cabins are now expected features in many premium listings.
Boutique lodges that combine style with comfort are getting booked up months in advance.
Even rustic barns and shepherd huts are being upgraded with designer touches, premium bedding and high-end amenities.

Holiday-makers want their staycations to feel like a splurge, not a compromise.

🍷 4. Unique Experiences Trump Standard Activities

Travellers are seeking staycations with stories — experiences they can’t do at home.

Some of the biggest experience trends we’re seeing:

Glamping with a twist — think transparent domes under the stars, treehouses, or luxury yurts.
Farm-to-table stays with pick-your-own produce, cooking classes, and foraging walks.
Heritage and craft experiences — from blacksmithing workshops to distillery tours.
Wild swimming, guided nature treks and wildlife spotting in lesser-known spots.

This year, it’s not just about where you relax, but what memorable moments you collect.

🛶 5. Slow Travel Is In — And Fast Travel Is Out

Ticking off a list of attractions? That’s old news.

2026 staycationers are opting for:

Longer stays in one place rather than short bursts in multiple towns.
Deep local immersion — from village pubs to hidden walking trails.
Quality over quantity — more time reading by a fire, less time rushing through selfie spots.

🧳 6. Sustainable & Supportive Travel Choices

An increasing number of travellers are choosing stays that:

Support local communities — from independent inns to artisan producers.
Reduce environmental impact — low-waste stays, electric charging points, eco-friendly hosts.
Educate — retreats that teach sustainable living, animal care, or conservation.

Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore — it’s becoming a core expectation.

🌟 Final Thoughts

In 2026, UK staycations are about pause, peace, and personal renewal. From countryside luxury lodges with hot tubs to experience-rich retreats where you can learn, unwind, and reconnect with nature, the British staycation scene is evolving into something richer and more meaningful.

Whether you’re a seasoned staycation fan or planning your first unplugged break, this year’s trends make one thing clear: