A recent poll has named some of our favourite local tourist destinations among the most relaxing places in the UK and you'll get absolutely no arguments from us.
In amongst the likes of the Lake District and the Peak District, the Dales have made the top 10 and since you can get to both all of them a little over a hour or even less by car, they'll make the perfect place to enjoy a weekend break or a few days off this year, reports The Manc.
The survey carried out by Sykes Holiday Cottages took data from 2,000 British holidaymakers, 29% of which believe that UK trips are less stressful than abroad due to the shorter travel distances and being able to use English pounds rather than exchanging currency, among various other reasons.
While 22% said that they find foreign holidays more relaxing, six in ten said they prefer places that speak the same language and we all know you don't need to spend a fortune jetting off somewhere exotic to enjoy a good holiday.
The beautiful LakesThe equally pretty PeaksCredit: James Armes/Minku Kang (via Unsplash)
The top 10 most relaxing places in the UK
It's no secret that the Yorkshire Dales are absolutely stunning, and whether you're heading to Malham or Bolton Abbey - there's picturesque views for miles.
Simultaneously Cumbria's quaintest and most popular tourist destination, if you've spent even a little bit of time there you'll know exactly why the Lake District was always going to be on this list.
The same goes for the Peak District as well, as although much of it lies in Derbyshire, the portions that stretch into Cheshire and nearby Greater Manchester — such as the high reaches of Alderley Edge and Saddleworth — are some of the most picturesque places in the country.
Here's the list in full:
Cornwall
Lake District
Scottish Highlands
Yorkshire Dales
Dorset
Norfolk
Cotswolds
Isle of Wight
Peak District
Snowdonia
With three of Britain's most popular walks also being named within these nearby relaxing staycation spots and just down the road from Leeds, it's all the more reason to enjoy these scenic spots when you need a break from the every day of city living or suburban life.
Graham Donoghue, chief exec of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "Holidays are a time to reset and take some much-needed respite from our day-to-day pressures.
"With shorter travel times, avoiding airport check-in queues, and no language barriers to contend with, it is no surprise that our research has found staycations to be more relaxing than a holiday abroad.
"There is such an abundance of fantastic locations to explore across the UK, staycationers can enjoy a wealth of stress-free holiday experiences to relax and recharge." You know what, you're right, Graham — we're off to book a few days for ourselves.
Catalonia is famous for many notable like impressive architecture such as La Sagrada Familia, legendary performers like RosalÃa and phenomenal all-day hospitality which this new site is hoping to emulate.
Although we might not be able to judge their skills as vocalists, when it comes to construction and deconstruction they're excelling, as can be seen in their renovation progress documented across their socials.
Taking shape in the former Nibbles Pizza site on Ashdell Road, although you might not be able to order a 12 inch meat feast anymore, Cats will be offering a range of interesting wines, beers and bar snacks.
In newly-released rendered images, a fitting wine-red colour has been used throughout both interior and exterior, the latter having a small seating adjacent to the front door.
Inside, you'll find lightbulbs dotted around the almost-180 degree-spanning window seating with small warm lights to set the mood.
Directly opposite will be the bar with a muted-concrete countertop that has a coffee machine on one end and draught beers on the other - the ultimate dream.
There's even a cellar area downstairs with banquette seating and those familiar tabletop lamps which help keep the atmosphere as relaxed and intimate as intended.
As the name may suggest, this place isn't exclusively for feline lovers as this Sheffield venue is promising to be a dog-friendly site stocking 'Cats' branded dog treats and water bowls.
Featured Images - Cats Sheffield via Instagram (Supplied)
The Sheff
A beach has popped up in the Sheffield city centre this week – and it’s completely free to visit
Clementine Hall
You don't need to book a seaside getaway to enjoy some beach vibes this week, as a giant pop-up beach has arrived right in the heart of the city centre.
To celebrate the opening of Summer Holiday, Tudor Square has been transformed into a sandy seaside retreat.
Located outside the Crucible and Lyceum theatres, the square is now packed with all the essentials for a classic day at the beach - from buckets and spades to deckchairs.
The free attraction is open from 11am until 7pm between Thursday 25 June and Saturday 27 June, with organisers encouraging people of all ages to head down and make the most of the sunshine.
Whether you're looking to snap a holiday-style photo, keep the kids entertained, or simply enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the city, the beach is open to everyone and there's no need to reserve a spot in advance.
Visitors are being reminded to come prepared for the warm weather by bringing suncream, hats, and plenty of water.
And if that wasn't enough, there's even more happening on Saturday 27 June.
A live DJ set from SlamBarz will provide the soundtrack to the day from 11.45am until 2pm, while a barbecue will be providing the goods from midday through until 6pm.
With sunshine, sand, music, and food all on offer, Tudor Square is set to become the place to be this weekend.
So grab your sunglasses and your bucket and spade, round up your friends and family, and head down to enjoy a slice of the seaside right in the middle of the city
The Hoot -
15th August 2023 
