Travel Content // Coastal Stays vs Country Stays*

Over the past few years stay cations have been growing in popularity. With the cost of holidays abroad and the failing exchange rate, it’s no surprise people are chosing to enjoy what we have here over jetting off to a beach somewhere. With miles and miles of glorious coastline and countryside, we’re spoiled for choice in the UK when it comes to choosing a destination for our next break.

But how do coast and country breaks compare? And do we prefer to feel the sea breeze in our hair or the quietness of the countryside much more appealing?

The team at Cottages in Northumberland, a coastal cottages and country breaks holiday lettings agency based in Northumberland, a county I have a lot of experience with and can 100% vouch for it’s because both in the countryside and by the sea have put together a great list of the pros and cons of both.

Coastal Breaks
With breath-taking sea views, delicious food and plenty of family-friendly things to do, it’s no wonder that a staggering 38% of the top ten holidays involved trips to the beach last year, according to research compiled by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).  I was blessed in that I grew up beside the beach, and now my daughter gets to enjoy every and all warm days playing in the sand! But these aren’t the only things a coastal break has to offer holiday makers!

A coastal break is also therapy for the mind, body and soul: relax by listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the coastline, sleep well from fresh sea air, and soften your feet with a walk along the beach.

Before everyone and their grandmother holiday abroad, the majority of families took to the UK’s beaches, so heading to the coast is also a chance to relive happy memories. From eating take-away fish and chips, making sandcastles on the beach, and rolling up trousers and sleeves to paddle in the sea, the percentage of trips to the beach last year shows that all the way through life, people love heading to the coast.

Coastal breaks do, however, have their drawbacks. More expensive than their countryside counterparts even in the off-peak season, from around £450 for seven nights, compared to £360 in the countryside. Also, taking a coastal break in peak time also means that the town or village where you choose to reside will be much busier people-wise than a stay, at any time, in the countryside.

Country Breaks
For many people, living in the UK’s densely populated towns and cities, the main draw of a break to the country is for the chance to enjoy some peace and quiet. But the pleasures of the countryside don’t stop there, rural stately homes, picturesque landscapes and Britain’s darkest skies. There is also an abundance of walking and cycling routes. These factors combined make the countryside the best places to relax and unwind from the stress of everyday life.

Country breaks are also a great opportunity to get closer to nature. Living in a city many children have never seen wildlife in natural habitats. It’s a chance to go bird watching, pond dipping or even fishing.

While this all certainly sounds worlds away from urban life, the remoteness that comes with a countryside break is something that some city-types may find unnerving. If you heavily rely on your smartphone being at hand at all times, you may find an issue with the distinct lack of Wi-Fi and phone signal in the countryside. Not only that but you might also find yourself travelling much further to pick up the evening’s dinner than you might at the seaside due to the lack of supermarket superstores and express shops alike. A country break could be a lot more secluded.

So whether you’re after some good old fashion seaside fun or escape from the stresses of life, the fact we live in a place where both seaside and countryside breaks are possible is rather comforting!

Which do you prefer?