4 UK Staycations That Will Bring You Joy This Summer

Take a creative escape for summer 2024 and explore the friendly artistic communities nestled in England’s top holiday destinations. This getaway guide is all about unlocking your imagination and revitalising your joy for life! Learn some crafty new skills, enjoy the UK’s countryside splendour and discover a whole new way to unwind. 

Channel your creativity with crafting in Cornwall

As well as the breathtaking 400 miles of coastline and tasty pasties, Cornwall has a wealth of creative makers ready to introduce you to your new favourite hobby.

Ignite your passion for crafts as you spend some time in the quaint town of Falmouth and visit furniture restorer Polly Waite. Here you’ll learn how to upholster that old chair or footstool in your life that needs some extra love. Take some time out to unwind and learn a sustainable new hobby that will leave you with a beautiful new piece of furniture for you to take home. Now that’s what we call a souvenir!

If meditative art is more your thing, visit the John Howard Print Studio a mile up the road in Penryn to give printmaking a go. As you watch the boats peacefully float by on the river just outside the studio doors, you’ll explore a range of printing methods such as aquatint, silkscreen or etching, finishing the session with a unique work of art to hang on your wall.

Discover the beauty of textile arts and more in the Lake District 

Who said you should only explore the Lake District if you hike? Among the rolling mountains and glacial waters, there is a whole crafty community waiting to help you find a slice of artistic bliss.

Cradled in the stunning valleys of Lake District National Park, near the popular town of Keswick, is the bright and airy Makers Mill workshop. Here you can enjoy a brilliant range of fun classes, from expressive painting to pottery and calming crochet to macrame.

If you’re headed near the Cumbrian town of Penrith, pop into the Quirky Workshops. This creative space specialises in preserving heritage crafts, all inside a gorgeous 17th-century farmhouse. Amongst this revitalising rural setting, you can enjoy wholesome activities like embroidery and rush basket weaving, guaranteed to get you into holiday mode.

Embrace creative relaxation in the Cotswolds 

Spoon carving in the Cotswolds? Now that's our kind of staycation! Famous for its country charm, this area of outstanding natural beauty also happens to be brimming with independent artists and inspired makers who host soothing creative workshops.

Head to Moreton-in-Marsh and get creative beneath an outdoor marquee with the team at Larkswold Creative Workshops. If wood whittling isn’t your cup of tea, there are loads of other great activities for you to try such as beeswax wrap making, glass fusing and silversmithing. Let the beautiful surrounding countryside work its magic and feel that stress melt away.

Find your inner artist on the Southern Coastline

Once you’ve relished in the sights, sounds and smells of the great British beaches, let’s awaken even more senses as you explore your creativity by the seaside. 

Give your taste buds a treat with a delicious gin experience at Barbican Botanics in Plymouth. Led by a true gin connoisseur, you’ll experiment with different ingredients as you craft your very own tasty tipple – and there’s even the opportunity to taste a few infusions along the way! 

If you’re in Worthing and looking for something hands-on, we think you’ll love The Little Craftery. From whipping up some mosaic art or a beeswax candle for your home to transforming beads into one-of-a-kind jewellery, this range of creatively satisfying experiences will show you a world of artistic skills that will keep your hands busy.

So what are you waiting for? Embark on a different kind of holiday this summer and immerse yourself in England’s creative community. You’ll never want to leave home again!