The rise of the summer staycation is here. The BBC reports that having your holiday at home in the UK is a rising trend, with AirBnB and Booking.com both highlighting a noticeable rise in demand for UK stays.
Travelling by train offers a lower-carbon alternative to flying, often gets you closer to the heart of your destination, and can save you both time and money. Better still, some of Southern Railway's most popular destinations offer the same atmosphere, scenery, and summer appeal as well-known European hotspots.
Whether you're planning a much-needed family holiday, a long weekend by the coast, or a spontaneous adventure with friends, these destination dupes prove that some of the best summer experiences are ones you can have right here in the UK.
Why choose a summer staycation by train?
Travelling by train is one of the most sustainable ways to explore the UK. Rather than adding to road congestion or taking a short-haul flight, you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and arrive directly into the centre of your destination.
Many of Southern Railway's coastal towns, historic cities, and countryside escapes are within easy reach of London and the South East, making them ideal for day trips, weekend breaks, and summer holidays.
If you're looking to keep costs down, Southern also offers several ways to save:
- Book Advance tickets where available for the lowest fares.
- Travel with friends using GroupSave, which offers one-third off Off-Peak fares for groups of three to nine adults travelling together.
- Take advantage of Railcards, which typically offer one-third off eligible fares.
- With Kids for £2, up to four children aged 5 to 15 can travel for £2 each when accompanied by an adult travelling with a valid ticket on eligible Off-Peak journeys.
- Consider a DaySave ticket for unlimited Off-Peak travel on Southern services across the network for one day.
- Add a PlusBus ticket to your train ticket, unlocking unlimited bus travel around your chosen destination once you arrive.
The Isle of Wight: the UK's answer to a Mediterranean island escape
If you're looking for a destination dupe that truly feels like you've gone on holiday, the Isle of Wight is the perfect choice. Travel by train to Portsmouth then cross the Solent by hovercraft and the journey turns into part of the adventure.
Better still, Southern Railway through-tickets to "Ryde Hoverport" include the hovercraft crossing and connecting Hoverbus transfer, making your journey simple, convenient, and affordable.
Insider tip: I’m someone who suffers from sea sickness, and I found that the smooth glide of the hovercraft over the water (plus the fact the journey is so short) meant I had no trouble at all, especially compared to long ferry trips.
The Isle of Wight has been attracting increasing attention as one of Britain's best holiday destinations. The island's combination of dramatic coastline, sandy beaches, walking trails, and relaxed pace of life makes it one of the most convincing alternatives to a European summer getaway.
Isle of Wight summer highlights
- Experience the thrill of the 10-minute hovercraft crossing from Portsmouth to Ryde
- Explore Shanklin and Sandown via the Island Line
- Visit Ventnor's beach and botanical gardens
- Walk sections of the Isle of Wight Coastal Path
- Discover beaches, coastal villages, and independent cafés without needing a car
Rye: the UK alternative to Bruges
If you've ever wandered through Bruges' cobbled streets and medieval architecture, Rye offers a surprisingly similar experience much closer to home.
Just a short walk from the station, Rye's historic centre is packed with timber-framed buildings, winding lanes and centuries of history. Mermaid Street is one of the most photographed streets in England, while independent cafés, galleries and antique shops create the kind of atmosphere many travellers seek out in Belgium's famous medieval cities. The best part? You can arrive by train and explore entirely on foot.
Rye summer highlights
- Explore Mermaid Street
- Visit Rye Castle Museum
- Walk to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
- Enjoy local seafood restaurants and cafés
Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters: the answer to the Amalfi Coast
Okay, so East Sussex doesn't have lemon groves or Italian sunshine guarantees. What it does have is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe.
Arrive at Eastbourne station and you'll find regular local buses connecting the town centre with Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Country Park. From there, spectacular white cliffs rise above the English Channel, creating views that rival many of Europe's famous coastal walks.
The contrast of chalk cliffs, turquoise water on sunny days and rolling downs has earned the area a growing reputation among travellers seeking alternatives to crowded Mediterranean destinations.
Read more: How to plan coastal walks near London with open jaw travel
Eastbourne summer highlights
- Walk sections of the Seven Sisters cliffs
- Visit Beachy Head
- Relax on Eastbourne seafront
- Explore the South Downs National Park
Brighton: a British take on Barcelona
Brighton has long been one of the UK's most popular summer destinations, and it's easy to understand why. A short walk from the station brings you into a city packed with independent shops, cafés, street art and a lively beachfront atmosphere. Much like Barcelona, Brighton offers a tantalising mix of culture, food, nightlife and seaside appeal into one easily walkable destination. The city's famous Lanes offer a maze of independent retailers, while the beachfront buzzes throughout summer with events, markets and outdoor dining.
Read more: Top Brighton walks and hikes
Brighton summer highlights
- Browse the Lanes
- Visit Brighton Palace Pier
- Explore North Laine
- Relax on Brighton beach
- Walk along the seafront to Hove
Arundel: a destination dupe for the Loire Valley
For travellers drawn to fairytale French castles, dreamy riverside walks and historic market towns, Arundel is the perfect destination. The station is within walking distance of the town centre, where the striking silhouette of Arundel Castle dominates the skyline. The surrounding South Downs countryside, riverside paths and independent businesses create a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from everyday life.
Arundel summer highlights
- Visit Arundel Castle
- Walk beside the River Arun
- Explore independent shops and cafés
- Discover Arundel Cathedral
Worthing: a quieter alternative to the French Riviera
Worthing doesn't always receive the same attention as Brighton, which is precisely part of its appeal. The station sits close to the town centre and seafront, making it easy to explore on foot. Wide promenades, colourful beach huts and sea views create a classic summer atmosphere, while nearby buses provide access to beauty spots across the South Downs. For visitors looking for a slower pace than some of the South Coast's busier destinations, Worthing offers an excellent balance of coast and countryside.
Worthing summer highlights
- Walk Worthing Pier
- Relax on the beach
- Visit the seafront cafés and restaurants
- Explore nearby South Downs villages by bus
Chichester: a UK city break with European charm
If your ideal summer holiday involves outdoor dining, historic streets and cultural attractions, Chichester deserves a place on your list. The station is within walking distance of the city centre, where Roman history, Georgian architecture and independent businesses create an atmosphere that rivals many smaller European cities. Local buses also connect the city with nearby beaches and attractions, making Chichester an excellent base for a sustainable summer staycation.
Chichester summer highlights
- Visit Chichester Cathedral
- Explore the city walls
- Enjoy independent shops and restaurants
- Take a bus to West Wittering
Make your summer staycation go further
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by train is flexibility. Instead of driving between destinations, you can relax, enjoy the journey, and spend more time exploring.
For families, Kids for £2 can significantly reduce the cost of school holiday travel.
For groups of friends, GroupSave offers one-third off Off-Peak travel when three to nine adults travel together.
If you're planning multiple stops in one day, a DaySave ticket provides unlimited Off-Peak travel across the Southern network and can be particularly good value for coastal-hopping adventures.
Add in Advance fares and Railcard discounts where available, and a train-based staycation can often cost considerably less than a traditional summer holiday abroad.