Staycations are the new norm thanks to Covid19 and I’m not actually that disappointed by this, I love my little stays within the UK and have had some of the best holidays on our own stomping ground.

Last year I visited Brighton to meet up with some Uni friends and had a lovely weekend.

We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb called The Willow and Wagtails, they accept dogs and are situated in the most beautiful setting. The house is semi detached built from reclaimed wood, set within an 8 acre plot to explore within the heart of the Sussex countryside. The B&B has a lake where fishing can be arranged, with an island that’s perfect for cocktails or a barbecue! The property uses all eco friendly products and runs from solar energy, with chickens and a veg patch the owners are very self sufficient.

From this wonderful base we had a whole weekend of exploring and catching up.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Our adventures included visits to Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill, being a National Trust member means there are plenty of properties and outdoor spaces to visit on our staycations, National Trust beauty spots are always top of our list to visit.

This fertile valley in the shadow of the South Downs has attracted settlers for thousands of years. Their stories chart the evolution of farming from the labour-intensive activities of early communities to today’s widespread used of machinery. Not only was there great history to delve into but a stunning walk through the South Downs taking in chalk grassland and magnificent views from the hill top. And of course a NT scone with cream and jam to finish off the walk.

• 

• 

• 

On the way back to the B&B we visited Woods Mill Nature Reserve where we had a lovely walk around ponds, streams and grassland with the promise of hearing a nightingale.

We generally don’t plan our stays other than accommodation before the visit, I love showing up and discovering the local walks, history and highlights often stumbling across the best places without researching them all before hand.

• 

• 

Whilst near Brighton we couldn’t miss out visiting the beach and pier. It was a lovely diverse town to explore with hidden alleys full of independent shops and cafes, with the stunning coastline to take in the sea breeze air.

What’s the most important part of a staycation for you? The accomodation? The places to visit? The food?

The food certainly plays a big role in my stays, whilst in Brighton we ate out at SIX where the setting was gorgeous surrounded by dried flowers and low lighting. The food itself was divine, contemporary cuisine from fresh produce made for a lovely meal.

Breakfasts are by far the most important meal of the day, this meant finding somewhere that met my meat eating needs as well as my vegan friends requirements. Redroaster definitely hit the spot, fueling us all for our journeys home. Brighton is full of quirky restaurants and cafes that cater for all needs it was hard to decide which ones to visit with so much choice.

I love staycations and think that until everyone is comfortable going abroad again there are plenty of places to visit and explore within the UK itself.

Activities Brighton holiday long weekend short break staycation weekend weekend away