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.
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
An all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant with no menu is opening in Sheffield this month
Clementine Hall
A restaurant where you can dive into unlimited pizza is opening in Sheffield very soon.
Like pizza? Then you're going to love this.
Introducing Slice Club, a brand-new restaurant concept that's opening in Sharrow Vale this month.
The idea has been 14 years in the making, and it's unlike anything you'll find in the city.
For £17.50 per person, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, with fresh pizzas circulating around the room and served straight to the table.
There’s no menu or individual ordering, you simply take what you fancy, and a light on the table lets the team know when you’d like to pause or have more.
Image: Slice Club
And it doesn't stop there as there’s no fixed sitting time, either. You simply eat until you're full and then the team will let the next group of hungry punters in, so you don't have to feel rushed.
Dips, drinks and desserts are extra and can be ordered separately.
As for the pizzas, there's plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available so nobody has to miss out on the slice action.
Teasing the opening on Instagram, The Slice Club said: "No choosing a pizza and regretting it when someone else’s turns up. We make them. We bring them round. You take what you fancy. Drinks and desserts work normally."
"You’ve watched the window go up. You’ve watched us get the place ready. Now, you can finally book a table. We’re bringing bottomless pizza to Sharrow Vale, with slices coming to you until you decide to hit pause."
Sounds like a pretty good concept if you ask us, and we don't have long to wait as The Slice Club will be opening on Sharrow Vale Road on Friday 30 October.
Bookings are now open, and you can book your table via their website here.
The Hoot -
15th August 2023 
