Best Staycation Ideas for a Peaceful UK Summer | Foxglove Field
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Best Staycation Ideas for a Peaceful UK Summer

  • Jan 30
  • 2 min read

Why the Best Staycation Ideas Focus on Calm, Not Crowds

When people search for the best staycation ideas, they’re often not looking for the busiest or most talked-about places. Instead, they want holidays that feel restorative — places where there’s space to breathe, walk, swim and properly switch off.

Increasingly, the best staycation ideas in the UK prioritise slower travel, quieter locations and a stronger connection to nature.


Perranuthnoe beach

One of the Best Staycation Ideas: Exploring West Cornwall Slowly

West Cornwall continues to stand out as one of the best staycation ideas for summer, particularly for travellers seeking balance rather than busyness.

While hotspots like St Ives attract large numbers, finding hidden local gems offers a very different experience. We find that some of the most rewarding holidays happen when you stay in one calm place and explore what’s quietly nearby.

At Foxglove Field, many guests discover that the best staycation ideas don’t involve long drives or packed itineraries — just a thoughtful base and a handful of beautiful places within easy reach.

Here are our top 5 hidden staycation ideas near Foxglove Field.

  1. Perranuthnoe Beach, Cafés & Coastal Galleries

Perranuthnoe offers one of the most balanced Cornish days out: a wide, walkable beach paired with small cafés and creative spaces. It’s perfect for morning swims, coastal walks towards Prussia Cove, or an unhurried lunch with sea views — without the intensity of busier resort towns.

  1. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Set in a sheltered valley just outside Penzance, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens combines subtropical planting with large-scale contemporary artworks. It’s peaceful, thoughtful and immersive — the kind of place where time slips by unnoticed.

This is one of the best staycation ideas for anyone who enjoys art, nature and gentle exploration in equal measure.

  1. Praa Sands: Water Sports Without the Crowds

Praa Sands is known locally for its wide beach and consistent surf, but it remains refreshingly relaxed compared to Cornwall’s more famous surf spots. From paddleboarding to bodyboarding, it’s an accessible place to try water sports — or simply watch the waves roll in.

  1. Lesser-Known Galleries in Newlyn

Newlyn’s artistic heritage runs deep, but beyond the larger galleries lie smaller, independent spaces showcasing contemporary Cornish artists. Wandering these quieter galleries offers a more personal connection to the area’s creative spirit.

Paired with a harbour walk or a coffee by the sea, it makes for an understated yet memorable afternoon.

  1. Geevor Tin Mine: Cornwall’s Industrial Past

For something completely different, Geevor Tin Mine offers a powerful insight into Cornwall’s mining history. Less crowded than many major attractions, it provides a grounding sense of place — reminding visitors how closely life here has always been tied to the land.


Turning a Staycation into Something Slower and More Meaningful

The best staycation ideas aren’t about seeing everything — they’re about seeing enough. Choosing a calm base like Foxglove Field allows you to enjoy these nearby experiences at your own pace, returning each evening to quiet skies and open space.

It’s this rhythm — explore, pause, reflect — that turns a summer break into something genuinely restorative.



 
 
 
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