Schools are out. The sun is (sort of) out. There are Aperol Spritz deals in every bar with any outside seating. All of this can only mean one thing: it’s UK summer holiday season.
We all want to enjoy our summers, but not all of us have the time or money to jet set off to another continent. Luckily, there’s plenty to see right here in the UK, and there are people who can tell you exactly where to head for the best possible staycation experience.
The 2024 National Muddy Stiletto Awards have named the country’s best indie companies in multiple industries, including hotels, family attractions and cafés. If you’re looking to support a small business and take a luxurious trip this summer, the Muddys have the place for you.
The winner of the Muddy Awards Hotel of the year was… Carbis Bay Hotel in St Ives! A decadent waterside manor, it’s complete with outdoor pool and spa. It looks straight out of the French Riviera, but is a much, much shorter drive. You can relax in your room with a view, or head to the grand lounge which is free for all guests to relax throughout their stay.
But the most impressive element of the Cardis Bay hotel is its pool. You may think that the only way to enjoy a warm swim with a view of the sea in the UK is to head to Southampton, hop on a cruise ship, but you’d be wrong. This is the UK’s answer to those Bali infinity pools you always see on Insta.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and book your stay at Carbis Bay Hotel, you can do so here. Full transparency: this may not actually be much cheaper than heading to the continent, but it will be far more convenient. You can also see the full list of winners of this year’s Muddy Awards here.
Where to stay in the UK
Carbis Bay isn’t the only place worth staying in. Here’s our favourite family friendly holiday digs, and some tree houses you can rent out for something a little different. We’ve also got guides to the country’s cosiest cabins, and the coolest castles you can stay overnight in.
Did you see that Odeon is opening three new Luxe cinemas across the UK?
Plus: These are Britain’s best (and worst) seaside towns to visit in 2024.
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