The British summer is truly underway, giving rise to the question: staycation or vacation? For this blog, we’re leading with the former – as a follow-up to <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/travel-money/staff-picks-uk-staycations-getaway-home" target="_blank">part one of our staff picks for UK staycations</a> to suit every generation! So without further delay, here’s our latest roundup of at-home holidays to inspire your weekday and weekend getaways! <br> <br>
COUPLE’S WEEKEND AWAY | Charlotte, Talent Administration Partner | Cotswolds, England
<br>
<br> <br> The picturesque Cotswolds covers almost 800 square miles – spanning five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. Home to a series of quintessentially idyllic English villages, complete with a chance sighting (or two) of resident supermodel Kate Moss, every turn offers a scenic moment – which will have you dreaming up your next escape to the area, before your current one has even ended! <br> <br> But with a wealth of choice on offer, where do you start? Perhaps, in the heart of the Cotswolds: Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the ‘Little Venice’ of the Cotswolds, this charming village is a popular destination. Soak up charming views while you seek peace and tranquility down by the River Windrush, whose meanders are decorated with beautiful low bridges and neat cobbled banks. Venture nearby for a trip to unexpected attractions like the <a href="tranquility" target="_blank">Birdland Park and Gardens</a>, which is set to host a summer of feathered fun featuring flamingos, penguins, and pelicans! Wander off on a thirty-minute adventure at the <a href="https://thedragonflymaze.com/about-us" target="_blank">Dragonfly Maze</a>, comprising a traditional yew hedge maze dotted with 14 numbered clues, to help you to navigate towards and uncover the hidden golden dragonfly. Or explore 33 hectares of ancient woodlands and meadows at <a href="https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/greystones-farm" target="_blank">Greystones Farm Cotswold Nature Reserve</a> – home to various wildflowers, aquatic wildlife, insects, birds, and mammals. Tired yet? Retreat to the likes of <a href="http://www.magnoliacottageholidays.com/" target="_blank">Magnolia Cottage Apartments</a>. A few minutes’ walk from the river, the accommodation offers couples a fuss-free ground floor apartment, complete with a lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. <br> <br> After a good night’s rest, wake up and drive 20 minutes down to a small village, Bibury. Here, transport yourself to the quaint 17th century – with a visit to the idyllic Arlington Row of Grade I-listed weavers’ stone cottages (pictured far left). Originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, the row is now one of the most photographed spots of the Cotswolds; depicted on the inside cover of all UK passports; and even featured in the 2007 Hollywood film ‘Stardust’, starring Robert de Niro and Claire Danes. Plus, if you want to truly experience a stay at one of the cottages, you can! While the National Trust has let out the cottages to tenants, it has reserved <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/9-arlington-row-the-cotswolds" target="_blank">9 Arlington Row</a> for tourists to rent out as a holiday home. Other highlights include a moment’s stroll to the banks of the River Coln, a ‘Catch Your Own’ Fishery at <a href="https://www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bibury Trout Farm</a> which dates back to 1902, and afternoon tea at the William Morris Tea Room. <br> <br>
GIRLS’ WEEKEND AWAY | Alison, Head of Compliance | Llangernyw, Wales
<br>
<br> <br> Llangernyw is a rural village in Conwy County in north Wales, situated 10 miles northeast of Snowdonia National Park. So, there’s lot to explore – even within a small radius. <br> <br> But before you make a start to the eventful girls’ staycation weekend, take a moment to check into <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/19937230?source_impression_id=p3_1627470643_YoyU6CIyv1EPLioz&guests=1&adults=1" target="_blank">Woody’s Luxury Glamping tent</a>. The unique accommodation sleeps four, being home to one bedroom with two double beds. Plus, you can unwind in the newly installed wood-fired hot tub and listen to the sounds of nature. And amenities include a shower room, ‘loo shed’, and an onsite kitchen with a two-ring gas cooker, electric kettle, table, and chairs – with basics supplied, such as plates, glassware, cutlery etc. Tuck into generous breakfast spreads, featuring local produce where possible – from breads, yoghurts, and cereals to juices, tea, and coffee. The superhosts are also happy to cater to any dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. You can also indulge in pizza night, where one of the hospitable hosts delves into the history of Tuscan-style cooking and teaches you how to create wood-fired pizzas (end result pictured on the bottom left-hand side). <br> <br> Feeling refreshed the next day after an evening of bliss? If you’re seeking exhilarating activities the next morning and are a fan of spectacular landscapes, look no further than <a href="https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/penrhyn-quarry" target="_blank">Zip World in Penrhyn Quarry</a> located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Home to the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, it offers you a choice of four parallel lines that span 1.5 kilometres and help you to reach speeds of up to and over 100mph, as you fly over the turquoise waters of Penrhyn Quarry lake. To cool off, head to the onsite <a href="https://www.zipworld.co.uk/blondin-restaurant" target="_blank">Blondin Restaurant</a> – a modern-style bistro which offers locally sourced food and drink. <br> <br> In the afternoon, opt for some calm after you take a 40-minute drive to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle" target="_blank">Penrhyn Castle and Garden</a>. The beautiful, vast castle boasts 19th century neo-Norman architecture. The ground floor is open to visitors, daily from 10am – and includes the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle/features/what-a-world-a-creative-look-at-penrhyns-collection-and-the-culture-of-colonialism" target="_blank">‘What a World!’</a> exhibition, where you can learn about the castle’s artwork and its link to the culture of colonialism. Or simply wander the grounds of the castle, within the manicured gardens – don’t miss the gorgeous Fuchsia Arch in the Walled Garden (perfect for girly ‘outfit of the day’ photos!). <br> <br>
SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAYS | Curt – Head of Marketing (Corporate) | Lavenham, Suffolk, England
<br>
<br> <br> Surrender yourself to the peaceful surroundings of village Great Waldingfield – in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, just moments away from towns Lavenham and Long Melford. The likes of luxurious, English heritage properties like the <a href="https://www.rectorymanorhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rectory Manor Hotel</a> (complete with butler Tom and Honey the dog) await to greet you with all you need for the most relaxing UK staycation. This five-star Georgian-style boutique hotel welcomes you to a great night’s sleep – courtesy of spacious double or king-size beds. Facilities include a 40-feet-long outdoor swimming pool (open April to September), a sauna, a croquet lawn, and an all-year round tennis court. <br> <br> If you can pry yourself away from the lap of charming English luxe living, make the time to explore the heritage of the local area. Take a seven-minute drive up to the medieval town of Lavenham. <a href="https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk/lavenham-guided-walks/" target="_blank">Discover the quirky crooked houses</a> – in the 15th century, houses in the town were built in such haste, to accommodate a growing population, with green timber. When the wood dried, the timber warped; causing the homes to bend at unprecedented angles. And with Colchester soon producing cheaper and lighter cloth, the people of Lavenham were left with little to no money to fix their homes – leaving behind a number of noticeably crooked properties we see today (pictured above). <br> <br> A 10-minute drive transports you to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall/features/visiting-melford-hall-what-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">Melford Hall</a> in Long Melford; a Tudor Manor House, once owned by the family of renowned British author Beatrix Potter. Maritime paintings, armoury, stained glass windows – you name it, every corner of the house adds to its character. So take the time to tour the property, with National Trust volunteers along every step of the way to impart their historical insight and knowledge. Keen for some respite? The immaculate gardens offer the ideal spot for a family picnic. Or opt for a light meal at the house’s onsite <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall/features/melford-hall-tea-room" target="_blank">Melford Hall Tea Room</a>. <br> <br> And if you’re up for a 40-minute drive with the family, head down to the beautiful <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford" target="_blank">Flatford and Constable Country</a>. Discover the views of farmer Willy Lott’s Grade I-listed cottage (pictured bottom centre) overlooking the River Stour, depicted in English landscape artist John Constable’s painting ‘The Hay Wain’ (1821). The river itself stretches around expanses of gorgeous scenery and wildlife, best explored by boat, kayak, canoe, or river cruiser. Or, you can embark on a leisurely bike ride among the ‘Painter’s Trail’ – running 69 miles-long, you’ll find plenty of places to fuel your artistic expressions, should you wish to stop off for a quick painting or two. <br> <br>
CITY VISIT | Pam – Head of Marketing (Retail) | London, England
<br>
<br> <br> Being the capital of England, London is well-known for its “Instagram-able” gems and notably viral pop-ups. And post-lockdown, it’s no different if you want to enjoy a bit of arts and culture. <br> <br> At the heart of shopping haven Oxford Street, French designer Christian Dior takes up residence at department store Selfridge’s alfresco rooftop restaurant <a href="https://sancarloalto.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alto by San Carlo</a> – a “decadent twist on your summer (UK) staycation.” Expect a curated cicchetti (Italian tapas) menu, featuring lots of burrata, bruschetta, ravioli, tiramisu, and Aperol spritzes – offset by a toile de Jouy print décor, inspired by the French Riviera (affectionately called ‘Dioriveria’). <br> <br> Over in a corner of Kensington Gardens in nearby South Kensington, the eponymous global Van Gogh Alive exhibition invites you to delve into the world of Dutch artist Van Gogh – taking you on his creative (and often, tumultuous) journey through the Netherlands, Arles, Saint Rémy, and Auvers-sur-Oise. Venture into this via a series of multi-sensory and immersive screens, projecting some of his most famous masterpieces among a complementary, classical background score; plus the defining quotes and stories behind them. The interactive aspect of the exhibition will keep young kids entertained, while adults (especially avid art lovers) can revel in the extraordinary brushstroke detail at play. Look out for ‘Sunflowers’ (1888), ‘Starry Night’ (1889), and ‘Almond Blossom’ (1888-1890). And don’t miss the impressive sunflower room! Complete with hundreds of sunflowers, set amid mirrored walls and ceiling, you’re in for the ultimate selfie in town. But that’s not all! On your way out, if you’re feeling inspired, you and/or your little ones will have the option to create your own artistic drawings while following timed tutorials depicting Van Gogh’s works. <br> <br> Further afield in Canary Wharf, east London, you can enjoy a walk to discover the <a href="https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/summer-lights-jun-aug-2021/" target="_blank">‘Summer Lights’ free outdoor exhibition</a>. The Canary Wharf Estate introduced this exhibition as the summer counterpart to its annual ‘Winter Lights’ festival – in a bid to encourage more people to enjoy its spaces during the day. Bringing a welcome dose of vibrancy to London’s other financial district (aka ‘concrete jungle’), you can look forward to various striking structures. ‘Kilpi’ by toyStudio (pictured bottom left) showcases inspiration from traditional Nordic Sami huts, with its perforations based on the starry constellations found in the night skies above the Wharf. Meanwhile, ‘Out of the Cocoon’ by Amberlights is a powerhouse of kaleoidscope of colours that changes colours as you change perspective. The butterfly wings represent a renewed hope and a new life that emerges from darkness, and this couldn’t be more apt – given we’re starting to exit 18 months’ worth of Covid-19 lockdowns, measures, and restrictions. <br> <br> If you’re heading off on a UK staycation, remember to take advantage of fee-free spending in the UK when you pay using your <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/cards/currency-card" target="_blank">Caxton pre-paid currency card</a>. <a href="https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/login" target="_blank">Log into your Caxton account</a> today to top up, view transaction overviews, and much more. And if you're also considering international travel, check out our latest <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">Travel Tracker tool</a> – so you know what you need to do before, during, and after travel. If you’re yet to <a href="https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/Register" target="_blank">register an account</a> with us and would like to find out more, discover how to <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/cards" target="_blank">spend and send your money at home (and abroad!)</a> in a smarter, more secure way.