When the world feels a little unpredictable, there's comfort in knowing your next break is a short drive away. Whether it's the cost of living, the chaos of busy airports, or simply the desire to slow down and breathe again, many of us are choosing to holiday closer to home.
From the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the rolling hills of Devon, the British Isles are brimming with beautiful places to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the people who matter most. And with Short Stay Homes' award-winning collection of self-catering holiday cottages and homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Salisbury, and Devon, your perfect UK holiday in 2026 might be closer than you think.
We look at the best types of staycations in the UK, what makes them so special right now, and which of our properties could be the ideal fit for your getaway.
Why a UK Staycation Makes Sense in 2026
A UK holiday in 2026 offers something that no overseas trip can quite replicate: simplicity. No queuing at departure gates, no lost luggage, no frantic currency exchanges. Just pack the car, pick up the keys, and you're on holiday.
At Short Stay Homes, we're delighted to offer various luxury self-catering holiday homes across Hampshire, the New Forest, Dorset, Salisbury, and Devon. All are available for short breaks and longer stays throughout the year. And because we own our properties directly, you'll pay no booking fees and always get our best rates, guaranteed.
The Best Types of UK Staycations and Where to Stay
Not all UK staycations are created equal. The key is matching the right destination to the right style of break. These are the most popular staycation types and the Short Stay Homes properties that fit them.
1. Country Cottage Staycations in Hampshire and the New Forest
Few things feel more quintessentially British than staying in a picturesque thatched cottage surrounded by countryside. The New Forest National Park is one of the UK's most treasured natural landscapes, with ancient woodland, free-roaming ponies, and a sense of stillness that's increasingly rare.
Our New Forest holiday cottages are perfect for those looking to switch off. Step outside and you're immediately in one of England's most beautiful National Parks, with miles of walking and cycling trails right on your doorstep. The nearby market towns of Fordingbridge and Ringwood offer independent shops, local pubs, and farm shops to keep your larder stocked throughout your stay.
Perfect for: couples, families, dog owners, nature lovers, and anyone who needs to slow down. Many of our properties welcome dogs so don't leave your four-legged friends behind!
2. Fishing and Riverside Holiday Cottages in Hampshire
For those who find their peace beside the water, a riverside staycation is hard to beat. The Hampshire Avon is one of England's finest coarse fishing rivers, winding through the county's most serene countryside – and a handful of our properties sit right on its banks.
Guests staying at Riverside Lodge, Criddlestyle Cottage, or Mews Hill have exclusive access to 80 yards of private fishing, with four well-established swims ideal for specimen coarse fishing.
Imagine waking up, casting a line before breakfast, spending the day at your own pace, and coming back to a warm home with a well-stocked kitchen and a wood burner crackling in the evening. That's a fishing staycation done properly.
Perfect for: fishing enthusiasts, couples, small groups, anyone who loves being close to nature and water
3. Family Staycations in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon
Our family-friendly self-catering homes are spacious and comfortable, giving everyone, from grandparents to toddlers, space to breathe and enjoy being together.
Guests frequently praise properties like Forest Drove Cottage and Arniss Farmhouse for their suitability for multigenerational stays. With multiple bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, secure gardens, and generous living spaces, families actually want to spend time together, rather than retreating to separate rooms.
Hampshire and Dorset are rich in family-friendly attractions. The New Forest offers pony spotting and cycling trails that children adore. Devon's coastline, with its sandy beaches, rock pools, and sea air, keeps even the most restless of young adventurers happily occupied for days.
Perfect for: families of all sizes, multigenerational groups, grandparent visits, children of all ages
4. Romantic Staycations and Couples' Holiday Cottages in the UK
Sometimes, the two of you just need to get away somewhere beautiful and quiet, where the biggest decision of the day is whether to have a bath before or after dinner. That's the magic of a romantic UK staycation, and something our lodge properties do well.
Riverside Lodge, for example, is our Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year winner (2020-2021), a stunning cedar-clad lodge with views of the Hampshire Avon. With a wood burner, an open plan layout, and the sound of the river running past your window, it's the kind of place that reminds you why time away together matters so much.
Perfect for: couples, anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, Valentine's breaks, and anyone in need of quality time together
5. Large Group Staycations – Reunions, Celebrations, and Hen Parties
Getting a large group together for a UK staycation is one of life's pleasures – and one that requires the right space. Too small and it becomes stressful; too grand and it loses that warm, lived-in feel. Our larger properties strike that balance.
The Quays in Christchurch, Dorset, is a Visit England Gold-awarded home sleeping up to 25 guests. It's a stunning backdrop for significant birthdays, family reunions, corporate events, or hen and stag parties (subject to availability at select properties).
Across our portfolio, we cater to groups of 2 to 25 — so whether it's a small gathering or a full-house celebration, we're delighted to help you find the perfect fit.
Perfect for: milestone birthdays, family reunions, stag and hen parties, corporate retreats, shared celebrations
6. Luxury Staycations – Spa Breaks and Special Occasion Holidays in the UK
Luxury doesn't have to mean flying somewhere far away. Some of the most indulgent, restorative breaks you can have in the UK are right here at home – in beautiful, carefully appointed spaces designed for relaxation from the moment you arrive.
Our Visit England Gold-awarded properties set a high bar. Think hot tubs, high-quality bed linen, fully equipped kitchens with everything you need, wood burners, secure gardens, plus thoughtful touches throughout that make the difference between a nice stay and a memorable one.
We're also delighted to offer extra facilities that take things to another level: paddocks and stables, glamping pods, pamper sessions and luxury hampers, electric mountain bikes, and even a VW Camper T2 1600 ("Jessica") at select New Forest properties for a nostalgic extra accommodation option.
Perfect for: anyone wanting to be pampered, special occasions, couples and groups who want something a little extra special
Things to Do on a UK Staycation in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon
One of the very best things about a staycation in the south of England is how much there is on your doorstep. We've partnered with Experience Hampshire to give our guests access to exclusive activities and discounts.
Depending on where you stay, you might enjoy:
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Walking and cycling through the New Forest National Park or along the Jurassic Coast
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Fishing on the Hampshire Avon
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Exploring Salisbury Cathedral and the nearby Stonehenge World Heritage Site
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Visiting the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth, Sandbanks, or the Devon coast
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Discovering brilliant local farm shops, markets, and independent restaurants
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Wildlife spotting – from New Forest ponies to red deer and kingfishers along the river
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Gin-making workshops, pottery, wildlife walks, and other curated local experiences
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Day trips to Exmoor, the Jurassic Coast, or the Cotswolds
Book Your UK Holiday Cottage with Short Stay Homes
Booking with Short Stay Homes is straightforward. Because we own all our properties directly, there are no booking fees or middlemen. Just the best rate, guaranteed, and personal service from a small team that truly cares about your stay.
Ready to plan your perfect staycation? Browse our full collection of holiday cottages and homes and book directly with us for the best rates. Please contact us with any queries.
