A beautiful town in the UK that is constantly named “the poshest” has been crowned as the best staycation place in the country. Located just two hours from Greater Manchester, Harrogate in Yorkshire topped the list, beating the likes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Anglesey to take the number one spot.
Staycations have become a popular choice for holidays and weekend getaways, particularly with the abundance of stunning destinations to explore across the UK.
With this in mind, experts from the AA have examined the top staycation spots that are ideal for travelling to by car, reports Manchester Evening News.
They looked at factors such as places to stay, local happiness ratings, the number of car parking spaces, petrol stations, and EV chargers in each area to find the “ultimate top 10 locations for the perfect staycation”.
The spa town of Harrogate was crowned the best, with the highest ‘happiness rating’, 7.8, out of 10, and the highest number of things to do (62).
The town is known for its gorgeous buildings, the famous Betty’s Cafe and Tea Rooms, RHS Harlow Carr gardens and much more.
It’s surrounded by stunning countryside with plenty to explore nearby, including the Brimham Rocks beauty spot.
It gained fame in the 19th century as a popular destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich spring waters.
Today, Harrogate is a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a popular place to visit or live.
Valley Gardens is among the key attractions to visit in the town while visiting. It is a picturesque park featuring a wide variety of flowers, walking paths, and even remnants of the town’s famous spa waters.
The next on the list is the Royal Pump Room Museum that offers insight into Harrogate’s spa history, with exhibits detailing the town’s growth as a health resort.
Apart from it, Stratford-upon-Avon ranked second with a 7.6 happiness rating, over 6,000 parking spaces, and over 60 attractions.
It’s famous for being Shakespeare’s birthplace and offers charming walks and historical sites like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Newquay in Cornwall occupied the third place, boasting 326 AA-approved accommodations, 3,500+ parking spots, and a 7.5 happiness rating.