With rich greenery, vibrant cities and traditions a plenty, there are lots of reasons why the UK is called the land of hope and glory.

But it’s not just red phone boxes, double decker buses and cups of English breakfast tea that make this particular part of the world great, it’s also the sense of freedom and spectacular history on offer too.

Staycations in Britain to tempt

Liverpool

Liverpool for example is a coastal city in the north west of England that is popular with not just tourists but also with already established citizens from around the UK. With two successful football teams, two city centre located cathedrals and a plethora of world renowned musicians like The Beatles and Cilla Black, Liverpool is a city well worth seeing…if only to see the statue of local icon John Lennon on lively night hotspot Mathew Street. Want to spend the day shopping with your partner or the family? Why not head to the array of shops at the recently built Liverpool One shopping centre or head to the banks of the River Mersey and browse around the riches of the contemporary yet cultured Albert Dock, the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in Britain. A fun filled trip to local sandy beaches in nearby towns such as Formby are also unmissable. Art lovers will be particularly excited by the hundreds of iron men constructed by British sculptor Antony Gormley which are dotted around Crosby beach. Looking for that perfect blend of city and countryside life? Liverpool should definitely be up there on your list.

Inverness welcomes more tourists than Bath

Away from the north west and up to the highlands of Scotland, Inverness is a city that is an absolute must see for people wishing to explore the best that Great Britain has to offer. With a wealth of things to do and see, including a trip to the picturesque Inverness Castle and a cruise down the tranquil Caledonia Canal, Inverness is certainly worth the long drive up north through the stunning mountainous surroundings. Perhaps most famous in this special part of the world though is Nessie’s favourite haunt Loch Ness, located just 20 minutes away from the city centre and the perfect place to buy a daily ticket and go fishing for the finest catches of fresh Atlantic salmon. The only question remaining is: Will you be able to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s favourite underwater monster? Or just the weird and wonderful range of wildlife in walking haven Craig Phadrig, including breath-taking groups of bottle nosed dolphins?

Ballymena, over the Irish sea in Antrim

Just a short trip across the Irish Sea and located in County Antrim lies the historic town of Ballymena. Sometimes known as the ‘City Of The Seven Towers’, Ballymena is a place that is shrouded in some of the finest history in the UK. Built by the Adair family almost 400 years ago, this beautiful town has strong links with the Irish saint, St Patrick as local landmark Slemish Mountain was rumoured to be his home for six years when he was a shepherd. For this reason, St Patricks Day is extremely popular in Ballymena and attracts thousands of people to the town each year, keen to see this famous Irish town in all its glory and to see the exact place where St Patrick allegedly converted to Christianity.  As well as past glories, Ballymena is now similarly known for being the birthplace of current celebrities like the world-famous film star Liam Neeson, another fact that will mean you’ll be completely ‘taken’ with the splendour of Northern Ireland. Port Ballintrae on the Northern Irish coast is shown.

St David's in the Pembrokeshire National Park

Onlookers may think that St David’s with its glistening coastline and thriving community would be anywhere in the world but in reality, it is located within the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in south west Wales. Only granted city status by Queen Elizabeth as recently as 20 years ago, St David’s beautiful skyline is dominated by its overriding shining light: a 12th century cathedral containing the recently restored shrine of St David and historical site of pilgrimage and worship.

Take a peek at some holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire

Away from the city’s rich history and perfect for dog walks and intimate family get togethers, a stroll along one of the most well-known beaches in the area, Whitesands Bay (also a winner of the European Blue Flag Award) is worth more than its weight in gold; a similar colour to the glorious sand in this part of Wales. Why not take a walk around the coast or buckle up to a Blue Ocean Adventure boat ride on the Celtic Sea after your moment of relaxation to explore Pembrokeshire’s array of idyllic islands and spot sensational sea life like grey seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales?

So why not stay at home and give that plane journey to Europe a miss this year? Nobody wants that stress of waiting at the airport really, do they? With an impressive mix of vibrant city life and serene countryside for the whole family to enjoy, there’s nothing quite like a Great British staycation.