FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STAYCATIONS & WEATHER
What is a staycation?
The term ‘staycation’ refers to a holiday spent near home. In the context of the UK, a staycation refers to a holiday in a popular British holiday destination, such as Devon, as opposed to a getaway abroad.
Where in the UK has the most sunshine?
According to our study of Met Office data, the staycation destination in the UK with the most sunshine hours is Brighton, closely followed by Torbay, Devon and Bristol. Cornwall, Blackpool, Bath, Liverpool, Scarborough and York are also among the staycation destinations with the highest number of sunshine hours (on average).
Where is the warmest and driest place in the UK?
Our study of Met Office data shows that London is the UK staycation destination with the warmest weather. Torbay, Devon, Dorset, Bath, Bristol, Brighton, The Cotswolds, Birmingham, and Nottingham also had high average maximum temperatures, making them the among the warmest staycation destinations for holidaymakers.
Where are the best places to go on a staycation?
According to our study, the best places to go on staycation in the UK if you are after warm weather and sunshine are Devon, Torbay, London, Brighton, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, The Cotswolds, and Bath.
What to do if it rains on your holiday?
Few people enjoy spending time out in the rain, particularly if they are looking to soak up the summer sun on their holiday. However, if it does rain on your holiday there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that you and your party still have a great time. Here are some of our top tips on what to do if it rains while you are on holiday:
- Visit a museum or indoor attraction. One of the best ways to experience a destination and its culture is to explore its museum and indoor attractions. In South Devon, you’ll find many museums and galleries that explore the local history of our region and specialist areas of interest. Highlights include the Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, Dartmouth Museum, the Dartmoor Prison Museum and the Timehouse art galleries.
- Go to a local show, concert or performance. There are usually still lots of great options for entertainment when the rain comes out, from catching a movie to enjoying a performance at a local theatre. South Devon has a rich history of great cultural events and entertainment, from ad hoc events and exhibitions throughout the year to a handful of independent cinemas and annual events such as the Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival and the Exmouth Festival.
- Enjoy movies, board games and your accommodation. If it’s raining and you don’t fancy much like going outside, then it’s time to make the most of your accommodation and spend some quality time with your travelling companions. Activities could include board games, a great movie, or even just enjoying your accommodation or local area. At Cofton, many of our accommodation options come with hot tubs (which can be great to enjoy in the rain!) and our park offers a number of leisure facilities including Amelia’s Cafe, and regular onsite entertainment.
- Go shopping. One great way to pass the time when the rain comes down is to go shopping and indulge in a little retail therapy. South Devon has an eclectic range of shops on offer, including two large city centre shopping areas with the Princesshay Quarter in Exeter and the Drake Circus Shopping Centre in Plymouth.
- Take a bus tour. If you still want to enjoy the sites but want to keep dry, then why not consider a bus tour? Not only can you stay dry, but they are often great value for money and allow you to see all the sites with ease. In South Devon, both Plymouth and Exeter run sightseeing buses at different times of the year.
Enjoy the local landscapes. While we all enjoy the sunshine, sometimes the best way to see the local landscapes and beaches is with the drama of a rainy day. Whether you venture out in the car or decide to go out on foot, exploring the great outdoors in the rain can be refreshing and a stormy day can even provide an atmospheric backdrop that’s perfect for doing a spot of photography.