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.
The Sheffield Legends honour is awarded to those who make the city proud.
Sheffield Council have announced the latest wave of recipients to be honoured with the coveted plaques outside the Town Hall.
The stars are awarded to individuals or groups who are or were at the top of their field, easily recognisable at a national or global level, and who have made a significant contribution to promoting Sheffield in a positive light.
Nominations were reviewed by an independent Awards Panel made up of representatives from across the city.
The list of recipients include none other than the legend that is John Burkhill, aka 'the man with the pram', who no doubt you've seen walking around town in his iconic green wig. John has raised over £1 million for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his late wife June and daughter Karen and we couldn't be happier to see his achievement being recognised.
International super group Pulp were honoured for their "worldwide success and cultural impact, having helped define British music in the 1990s while proudly championing their Sheffield roots throughout their career."
Uriah Rennie is being honoured with a Sheffield Legends plaque posthumously, for his pioneering career as a Premier League referee whilst Dame Julie Kenny is also being awarded posthumously, in recognition of her leadership in business and commitment to supporting South Yorkshire’s economic growth.
Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham received the honour for his achievements in boxing and Paul Carrack was honoured for his outstanding contributions to music as a singer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist.
Danny Willett and Joe Root were previously announced as honourees for their huge accomplishments in the sporting world.
On Monday 2 February, Uriah Rennie’s Sheffield Legends plaque will be unveiled outside Sheffield Town Hall at 11am.
Elm – The stylish coffee shop that hides one of Sheffield’s best restaurants
Daisy Jackson
One of Sheffield's best lunch menus is being served inside a Glossop Road coffee shop - but this is on another level to a soup and a sandwich offering.
Elm is one of the city's most stylish spaces, which is no surprise, given that it's run by identical twins and acclaimed designers Nik and Jon Daughtry.
And while it enjoys a healthy trade by day, where people gather for coffees, toasties, catch-ups and some laptop surfing, Elm has recently added a formidable string to its bow.
Since taking on chef Nathan Wall, a self-taught visionary who's been of the most respected names on the Derbyshire restaurant scene, Elm now has a refined food offering worthy of its beautiful interiors.
Previously, we've only been able to get a taste of his cooking in the evenings, when the team serve up an exceptional set menu - but a condensed version has now made its way into the lunch service too.
Head on back to the 'blue room' - a gorgeous space with just eight covers - and you can have a three-course, £35 lunch menu that's 'short in courses, long in flavour'.
As with all of chef Nathan's menus, it'll remain proudly seasonal, which in January has meant ingredients like Jerusalem artichoke and chicory have their time in the spotlight.
Inside the Blue Room at Elm SheffieldTreacle loafThat amazing cheese courseMain courses on the Restaurant Elm lunch menuNamelaka
The main lunch menu at the start of 2026 has included a roasted Jerusalem artichoke in a vintage cheddar custard; a Creedy Carver duck breast and braised leg, with orange-glazed chicory, and carrot and orange puree; and a pistachio and dark chocolate namelaka, with a pistachio caramel and raspberry reduction.
That's the main three-course lunch menu, and for the sheer calibre of the cooking, it's excellent value.
But we'd highly recommend going the whole hog and adding in the bread course (it's a miniature treacle loaf with cultured butter) and the cheese course (a piece of Jasmine and ginger fruit cake with gooey baron brigod cheese and a pickled walnut ketchup).
Lunch at Restaurant Elm in Sheffield is served between 12pm and 2.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays - you can book your spot here.
The Hoot -
15th August 2023 
