With the weather taking a turn for the better – we hope – and the pound weakening, a staycation looks more appealing than ever.

The concept of hassle-free holidays in the UK has been growing in popularity over recent years as long waits in airports become the norm and holiday accommodation in the UK vastly improves. Why not throw everything in the car and explore the wonders on our doorsteps?

Sea, shopping and sightseeing is all within easy reach of Colchester and with summer holiday rates from £60 per person per night, Wivenhoe House is ideally located for a relaxing getaway.

There’s all the fun of the fair at nearby Clacton and Walton-on-the Naze or quieter strolls along the beautiful sandy seafront to be found at Frinton. After dinner the quayside at nearby Wivenhoe is a great place for a spot of boat-watching.

No flights mean no luggage limit. Braintree Freeport is just the place for some retail therapy with a fantastic range of major chains offering super summer savings on high fashion and homeware, including Barbour, Denby and Jaeger.

As the Roman capital of Britain, Colchester has a wealth of fascinating history to offer visitors, including the oldest Norman Keep in the country and a fascinating collection of recently uncovered Roman artefacts.   The world-famous Colchester Zoo deserves a day out on its own.

Of course, you are deep in the heart of Constable country and nearby Flatford Mill at East Bergholt celebrates our connections with this renowned landscape artist. It’s also home to a Museum dedicated to artist Sir Alfred Munnings. You can work up an appetite for dinner in the hotel’s brasserie taking out a rowing boat on the River Stour after your visit.

We may not be able to guarantee the sunshine in the UK, but we can definitely promise a memorable holiday.