2020 has been described as the year of the “Great British summer staycation”.
Right across the country, Brits are choosing to explore what’s right on their doorstep this year, in favour of jetting off for holidays overseas.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have brought with it a lot of doom and gloom – especially as flights have been grounded, holidays cancelled and stricter quarantine measures introduced – but it’s certainly gifted us with the unique opportunity to get out and see the beauty that our country has on offer, right?
Now, in order to help Brits decide on where next to pitch up this summer, HomeToGo – the world’s largest holiday rental search engine – has researched the UK’s Best Outdoor Destinations aimed at “cooped-up holidaymakers dreaming of spending some time out in nature”.
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If you’re looking to get some fresh air and explore the most scenic areas of the country this summer, then the top 14 destinations in the UK have now been carefully selected and revealed.
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HomeToGo’s data and insights on 14 of the most searched National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in the UK is based on the following factors:
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Affordability – Average nightly price of a holiday home.
Availability – Booking rates for August and September 2020.
Weather – Average daily hours of sunshine for the month of August.
Walking Trails – Number of walking trails nearby.
Met Office climate data was used to calculate the average hours of sunshine for the month of August, HomeToGo used its own metasearch data to forecast the average price and booking rate for places to stay in each area, crowd-sourced data was collected from a leading trail map and navigation website for walking trail information, and then each of the factors were weighted and given a score out of 10.
So, what are the Top 5 Best Outdoor Destinations in the UK for 2020 then?
Best Place for Sun-Seekers? Dorset – Average days with rain 7.5, average daily sun.
Most Affordable Staycation? Suffolk – Average accommodation £116.48 per night.
Best for Last-minute Travellers? Peak District – Forecasted Availability 66%.
Best Spot for Active Travellers? Lake District – Over 380 walking trails.
Wikipedia
Other interesting survey findings showed that since the beginning of June, over 60% of all domestic UK holiday bookings have been for trips within 300 miles from the origin, and more than 78% of bookings over July and August are in listings in rural areas, such as the Lake District or North Yorkshire.
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Speaking on the survey findings, Mike Pearce – a spokesperson for HomeToGo – said: “We’re seeing an increase in demand for countryside getaways as more individuals and families are trying to make the most of their summer holidays,”
“We hope everyone has a chance to find a little more space this summer and spend some time outdoors, safely and responsibly”.
Want to check out the rest of the top 14 destinations? Head on over to the HomeTGo website here.
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
30th July 2020 
