Staycation secrets: Insider tips to get the most out of your UK summer getaway
With international travel up in the air and the increasing worry of rising living costs, holidaymakers are looking closer to home for their 2022 summer escapes, to save on both time and money.
To help you get the most out of your staycation, experts from leading adult-only hotel group Warner Leisure Hotels have revealed top secrets for getting the best value for money from your UK staycation.
From saving on travel costs, to booking inclusive deals, here are four top tips for enjoying a holiday to remember that won’t break the bank.
1. Seek out seasonal deals
It always pays to keep an eye out for seasonal deals – and these are often found by booking directly with the hotel. Claire Fletcher, general manager at Thoresby Hall, urges guests to check what’s on offer before booking a stay.
Claire said: “Often, hotels will release deals around key seasonal dates such as Christmas and summer, and these are normally best found by checking the hotel’s website. You could always give them a call to discuss their current offers if you’re not particularly tech-savvy!
“These discounts don’t just apply to bookings either – you may find deals for money off food and drink during your stay, too.
“Aside from seasonal discounts, if you’re not tied to travelling on a weekend then mid-week dates can also cost much less.
“Another way to get the best value is by keeping an eye out for loyalty schemes. If you’re a creature of habit who returns to the same hotel you know and love, you could save a substantial amount of money.”
2. Consider a ‘super-staycation’
With ever-increasing fuel costs, could a super-staycation – or a holiday just down the road - be the next big thing? Joanne Hammick, general manager at Studley Castle Hotel, ditching the travel time in favour of a summer getaway that’s a stone’s throw from your house.
Joanne said: “Rising costs and upheaval at airports means that many people are looking closer to home for their holidays this year, and the UK offers some amazing sights.
“People often believe that, for a holiday to feel relaxing, we need to travel far or visit somewhere completely new, but that doesn’t need to be the case. Rising fuel costs means that travelling a few hours in the car could add a hefty cost on top of your staycation.
“So why not consider somewhere local to you? Even if it’s only half an hour away, staying in luxury at a hotel will ensure you can relax without worrying about housework.
“Aside from being cheaper, less travel time means more time exploring and enjoying your holiday! You might even find a hidden gem that you didn’t realise was on your doorstep.”
3. Look for package deals
We all like to splurge a little on holiday, but the cost of days out on top of food and drink can all add up. Add to that a couple of nights out on the town, and you can really start to break the bank. Jonny Ball, general manager at Gunton Hall Hotel, thinks the key to a stress-free getaway is getting a package deal.
Jonny said: “One of the best ways to keep the cost of your staycation down is by booking smart. Choosing a hotel which includes activities, evening entertainment and food in the price makes a huge difference to your pocket, as this is what we tend to spend most on when we go away.
“Dining in the hotel restaurant and enjoying the in-house entertainment each night also means you’re saving on taxis and the stress of finding and arranging an evening out elsewhere.
“Whether you like to relax poolside, practice your aim at archery, or spend your days exploring - having activities included means you can do as little or as much as you like without worrying about the cost. A Warner break, for example, includes all the above - offering £150* of daily value!”
4. Pre-book local attractions through your holiday provider
Hotels often have the lowdown on local attractions, so Steve Grainger, general manager at Littlecote House Hotel advises getting in touch ahead of your arrival to ask about things to do while you’re there.
Steve said: “You’ll often find local attractions can be more expensive during peak season, especially if you don’t pre-book.
“It’s always worth reaching out to your hotel or holiday provider before your visit to see if they arrange excursions to local attractions, as you can often get a reduced rate - with your travel there and back included in the price.
“Even if your hotel doesn’t organise days out directly, they may still offer you a cheeky discount, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. As well as getting a steal, you may find that some of best places to visit weren’t even on your radar!”
Staycationers can save even more money as part of the Club Warner membership scheme, helping guests bag up to 15 percent off their hotel spend when they stay for at least 14 nights over 18 months.
To find out more, or to book a summer escape at one of Warner Leisure Hotel’s 15 adult-only, country and coastal retreats, visit: https://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/discover
Notes to editors
- Based on one night for two guests sharing a room
Notes to Editors
Contact Information
For any more information or imagery please email warnerpressoffice@bourne-leisure.co.uk and warner@wpragency.co.uk
About Warner Hotels
Warner Hotels, renowned for grown-up getaways, has 16 properties set in some of the UK's finest locations, including Heythrop Park in the Cotswolds, The Runnymede on Thames near Windsor, Studley Castle in Warwickshire and Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire. Each hotel offers dining, thoughtfully designed rooms, and an impressive line-up of live shows and music – with plenty of areas to relax and soak up the scenery. Guests can try their hand at a new experience with activities such as archery and gin tasting, unwind in the spa and leisure facilities, or stroll through picturesque grounds