On a budget or blow the budget? GP’s top UK staycations

There’s nothing like booking a weekend staycation to cure the January Blues. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got just the answer…from the wrap-up-warm outdoor adventurist to the massage-loving spa breakers, there’s something to suit every budget here…

Spa lovers

For many people, January is about purging the body of Christmas excesses and returning to a healthier lifestyle. A spa stay is a great way of kick-starting that process – or, if you book it for later in the year, it can act as a reward for the hard work and discipline it takes to live healthier.

On a budget: Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa, Leamington Spa

With prices from £79.50 per person, Mallory Court offers a luxurious experience without breaking the bank. Booking through Great Little Breaks gets you an evening meal in the two AA Rosette awarded The Brasserie restaurant, breakfast and access to the spa plus 20% off treatments.

Blow the budget: Lucknam Park, Bath

If you’ve come out the other side of Christmas with money in the bank, book a retreat to one of the UK’s finest hotels, where 5-star luxury awaits at every turn. Treat yourself to a fine dining experience featuring local produce in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones, but not before you’ve spent a day unwinding in the thermal cabins.

Outdoor enthusiasts

 Technology is a double-edge sword – it undoubtedly enriches our life, but it can keep us fairly static if we’re not careful. While that 43” 4K TV is a thing of beauty, it doesn’t do you any harm to step away from it once in a while and be at one with nature.

On a budget: Port Gaverne, Port Isaac

If stunning coastal walks are your idea of enjoying some fresh air, look no further than Port Isaac on the Atlantic coast. The traditional fishing village in north Cornwall acted as the backdrop for TV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. Port Gaverne Hotel is the perfect resting place, offering 15 unique, en-suite bedrooms and a personal touch.

Blow the budget: Driftwood Hotel, Portscatho

On the other side of Cornwall is Portscatho, with its miles upon miles of rugged coastline to explore. Driftwood Hotel offers rooms overlooking the sea, which are designed to be a home-from-home but with added views and tranquillity. The service is described as luxury “but with the stuffiness removed”, so don’t worry about having to pack too many smart clothes for your evening meal if you don’t want to.

Culture vultures

 We’re spoilt in the UK with the incredible theatre we have on our doorstep. There’s no better place to go, of course, for a night of stirring, thought-provoking culture than London’s West End. The show that everybody wants to see right now is hit musical Hamilton – enter the online lottery for a chance to buy £10 tickets.

On a budget: hub by Premier Inn London Westminster

Not surprisingly, hotels in the West End don’t come cheap, but there are some good deals to be found on lastminute.com if you’re prepared to play the waiting game. Alternatively, get a room at the hub by Premier Inn London Westminster, St James's Park, where prices start from £69.

Blow the budget: Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell

If you’re going to have a cultured weekend in London, you might as well do it in style. The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is a 13-bedroom Georgian townhouse hotel with an award-winning cocktail lounge – it’s a talking point in itself.

Romantics

 Spending some quality time together with your significant other, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is important for breaking the cycle of monotony. And, with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, now’s the time to get booking...

On a budget: Barnsley House Hotel, Cirencester

You don’t want to go too cheap on a romantic getaway as it can set the wrong tone. Barnsley House Hotel, situated in Cirencester in the Cotswolds, offers everything you could want from a country house – dedicated spa, private cinema and 18 large and luxurious bedrooms to choose from – but at a much cheaper price than you might expect.

Blow the budget: Lime Wood Hotel & Spa, Lyndhurst

For ultimate peace and tranquillity, head to the New Forest where the Lime Wood Hotel & Spa awaits and you have the pick of the rooms – from the eaves of the main house to an entire lake cabin. You could even book yourself in for a retreat to nurture, heal and rebalance you and your partner.

If you fancy going further afield, you could always book yourself a European city break. This year, consider going somewhere alternative.  

Power up with GP

Whether you’re taking Instagram snaps by the pool on your spa break, by the fire in a country pub or on your coastal walk, you’re bound to be using your phone a lot during your UK weekend getaway. Stay in charge with the colourful, sleek and powerful GP M-series PowerBank, which will ensure you manage to capture all the memorable moments during your staycation. Where do you plan on trying first?