It may be an overused cliché, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this seems to be the year for the great British getaway – or “staycation”.
Destinations across England are safely re-opening as restrictions ease, and are launching new campaigns aimed at tempting more people to discover days out and short breaks on their own doorstep.
But wherever you head, there’s a need to ‘know before you go’.
So, before you travel, plan ahead, make bookings and check opening times as well as any restrictions.
Take a #Stokecation
VisitStoke has found a novel way of showing anyone living in-or-around Stoke-on-Trent & The Potteries in Staffordshire that they don’t need to travel very far from their own front door to enjoy a summer of fun. A new visitor campaign has been launched as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Covid-19 recovery plan aimed at tempting more people to enjoy a #Stokecation over the summer holidays. From walks with monkeys to picnics in the park, Stoke-on-Trent is renowned as the world capital of ceramics, and includes among its visitor top treats the world-class World of Wedgwood visitor attraction as well as The Trentham Estate, featuring one of England’s most visited gardens. The campaign – across social media and with a dedicated landing page on VisitStoke’s website – will raise awareness of attractions across the city as part of a phased and gradual re-opening. With visitor safety in mind, it will also highlight the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard showing businesses are following all Government and public health guidance and carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment.
Start planning at www.visitstoke.co.uk/stoke-cation
Unlock summer in Hampshire
Hampshire is encouraging visitors to ‘unlock summer’ and fall back in love with the great British holiday with a host of top tips and suggestions aimed at inspiring post-lockdown day visits and short break stays in the county. A new campaign launched by Visit Hampshire is set to inspire visitors by sharing the best things you can do, under the theme of ‘unlocking’ coast and countryside open spaces, amazing attractions and adventurous activities – plus highlighting the county’s most Instagramable towns and villages. With many tourism businesses and attractions open again – and awarded the new VisitEngland industry standard ‘Good To Go’ safety mark – visitor safety and comfort is a top priority, but Hampshire also aims to highlight how attractions and accommodation providers will still make summer visits as much fun as possible. With not one, but two national parks – the New Forest and South Downs – Hampshire has plenty of open spaces and beauty spots for some natural social distancing, while its beaches are perhaps one of the county’s best kept secrets, making them a little quieter than other traditional resorts, but just as attractive. Visit Hampshire is urging people to “Know Before You Go” by checking details and restrictions before travelling and asking visitors to “Respect, Protect and Enjoy” by maintaining social distancing guidelines, undertaking regular hand washing and taking litter home with them.
Unlock summer at:
Hull and East Yorkshire goes ‘loco’ for local
As more tourism businesses and attractions open up again, a new #LocallyYours campaign aims to tempt people to support local businesses and tourist spots in Hull and East Yorkshire. The social media campaign, backed by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), encourages local people – as well as visitors within an hour-or-so drive time – to discover the region in a new way as the industry reopens. Using the hashtag #LocallyYours, it is already proving popular with businesses, with many posting updates on the great things to see and do in the area. From restaurants to museums, the ‘on your doorstep’ campaign highlights tourism experiences right across the area. With over 1,800 businesses operating within the visitor economy in Hull and East Yorkshire, the #LocallyYours partnership is committed to helping the industry bounce back as quickly and as safely as possible. Under the banner of ‘enjoying summer safely’, many of the areas’ tourism businesses have the new ‘We’re Good To Go’ official UK COVID-19 safety mark.
Discover more at www.visithull.org and www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com
Know before you go
Many destinations are also using their websites to offer visitors top tips about enjoying summer safely and to support ‘know before you go’, including Lincolnshire, which rounds up what’s currently open in Lincoln city and surrounding county (); Staffordshire, with a handy list of open accommodation, attractions and food and drink outlets (); and Derby, with a staycation planner and list of ‘We’re Good to Go’ tourism businesses ()
