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.
A beloved Sheffield independent is expanding, and this time in the leafy suburb of Broomhill.
Just when you thought Sheffield's matcha scene couldn't get any better...MADE announces that they're opening a third site.
And judging by what they've teased over on their social media, this looks like it's set to be their best one yet.
Since launching last year, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
Images: The Sheff
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space first popped up on Ecclesall Road and was nothing short of a roaring success.
So much so, that they expanded across Yorkshire to open in Leeds on bustling Lower Briggate.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s gained a cult following across both cities.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
MADE is also serving up generous açaà bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), salads which you can shake like a Kardiashian, and other grab-and-go bites.
Britpop legends Pulp to be inducted into Sheffield’s Walk of Fame this Friday
Clementine Hall
Sheffield music royalty Pulp are getting their very own star on the Sheffield Walk of Fame.
I mean...it's about time, isn't it?
The Britpop favourites fronted by icon Jarvis Cocker will be officially inducted into the Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame outside Sheffield Town Hall this Friday 30 October, with the unveiling scheduled for 2pm.
And don't fret, because anyone can head down to watch the occasion and show their support for the beloved band.
Not just that, but the band will be taking charge of a beloved local boozer and grassroots gig venue The Hallamshire Hotel on the same evening.
The news was announced on 9 October by Rough Trade Records, along with Pulp themselves.
Their pop-up pub in Manchester in August featured a jukebox programmed by Jarvis Cocker himself, along with merch literally plastered on every wall and even the ceilings.
The previous Pulp pop-up pub had loads of merch for sale, from tees and totes to records and stickers.
The walls were turned into a shrine for the band, showcasing posters and photography from throughout their illustrious career.
And the crowds came through in a big way, queueing halfway down the street for a chance to be totally immersed in all things Pulp.
This pop-up will have a Pulp quiz, pop-up shop, fancy dress competition and even Pulp karaoke...sign us up.
So this Friday, 30 October, you can head down to support Pulp and the unveiling of their coveted star before heading to The Hallamshire Hotel all for their very own pop-up pub experience for a couple pints or two.
The Hoot -
15th August 2023 
