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.
There's an award-winning little South African restaurant in Hillsborough that may be small in size, but the flavours coming out of the kitchen are anything but.
Tucked away in one of Sheffield’s favourite neighbourhoods, The Orange Bird has become one of the city’s biggest word-of-mouth food spots, with locals flocking there for its bold, modern South African-inspired cooking and seriously impressive braai dishes.
And if you’ve ever tried getting a reservation, you’ll already know just how in-demand this place has become.
Run by Anne Horner and Matthew Duggan-Jones, The Orange Bird has built a loyal following thanks to its vibrant menu packed with smoky, fire-cooked flavours, quality local ingredients, and dishes made for sharing around the table.
It’s warm, intimate, and exactly the sort of independent Sheffield restaurant people love discovering.
The menu is filled with dishes you’ll still be thinking about days later, from rich, tender lamb served over silky smooth hummus to wild garlic roti and caramelised aubergine that somehow steal the show just as much as the mains.
Then comes the big hitter dishes.
The peri-peri chicken, paired with curry butter chips and lime pickle mayo, is packed with bold flavour in every bite, while the braai sea bream perfectly shows off the smoky magic of cooking over fire.
The Orange Bird in Sheffield has previously been named one of the UK's top local restaurantsThey cook dishes over a typical South African braaiBraai sea bream, and peri peri chickenA spread of small plates at The Orange Bird in SheffieldSlow-cooked lamb on hummusThe Orange Bird, Sheffield menu
It’s easy to see why people keep returning to this Hillsborough favourite time and time again.
And naturally, no meal here feels complete without ordering something sweet to round off the evening.
The Orange Bird’s growing reputation has even seen it featured in The Good Food Guide’s prestigious 100 Best Local Restaurants guide in both 2023 and 2024, cementing its place as one of Sheffield’s must-visit food spots.
Honestly, spotting an orange bird might be rare, but finding this place without a waiting list could be even rarer.
If The Orange Bird isn’t already on your Sheffield food bucket list, this is definitely your sign to finally book a table.
Sheffield Food Festival to return this month celebrating 15th year in the city
Clementine Hall
One of the city's best foodie events is gearing up for its best celebration yet.
Foodies, you're going to want to keep reading.
Sheffield Food Festival will return this late May Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May 2026.
The festival marks its 15th anniversary, so you can expect a celebration of all things food even bigger and better than ever before.
Image: Sheffield Food Festival
From local favourites to tastes from around the world, local vendors will be coming together to raise a knife and fork to Sheffield's incredible independent food scene.
The best part? It's completely free to attend and will feature over 60 different traders that are all based locally.
Sheffield Food Festival will take place in the city centre across the Peace Gardens, Millennium Square, Town Hall Square and Winter Garden.
The festival will include four key areas to visit, including the traditional street food area, an artisan market, a community hub and the main stage and bar.
Image: Sheffield Food Festival
Managing director at Swan Events, Noemi Antonelli, said: “From foodies to families, there’s something for everyone – and we’re proud to showcase the best of Sheffield’s vibrant food culture.
"This year feels especially exciting as the festival grows beyond its footprint, with other city centre locations joining the celebrations with their own activities – creating a real buzz across the city and making it a truly shared Sheffield experience.”
So grab your mates together, build up an appetite and have a taste of the incredible food that Sheffield has to offer.
The Hoot -
15th August 2023 
