Spring staycation destinations

Spring is the perfect time to hit ‘reset’ and take a mini-break to somewhere scenic. Whether you’re looking for a Great British beach or a hiking adventure, we have chosen lots of different locations to suit everyone’s wants and needs for the ultimate spring staycation.  

County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Whether it’s the grounds of the 400-year-old Antrim Castle and Gardens on Lough Neagh, the bastion of Carrickfergus Castle guarding Belfast Lough or the wondrous walled garden of Glenarm Castle, there is plenty here for the history buff to fill their boots with. County Antrim is a perfect snapshot of Northern Ireland. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.

Salcombe, Devon 
Salcombe is a charming coastal town in the south of Devon. The town is known for water sports, sailing, and the surrounding natural beauty, as well as having incredible shops and restaurants. Head to Fore Street next to the water to discover the best range of cuisine that Salcombe has to offer, as quality restaurants and bars line the streets. If you’re looking for a small, quiet getaway, this town is just that.

Norwich, Norfolk 
Norfolk is a county in the east of England, full of adventure and activities. Norwich is specifically a great location for a quick spring getaway, as this cathedral city showcases ancient beauty and exciting stories. With classic English pubs hidden in corners, cobbled streets all over the city, and open-air markets located in the heart of Norwich, there’s plenty to discover. During springtime, the Norwich and Norfolk festivals run in May, creating an incredible bustling atmosphere in the county. 

Padstow, Cornwall 
When visiting Cornwall, there are many places to discover and explore. The Padstow harbour is a real gem filled with small, beautiful boats, creating a picture-perfect town. The town is small, making it easy to walk around, with plenty of pretty shops to enjoy. If you want to escape the busy atmosphere, then there are pristine beaches to uncover for walking and relaxing while taking in the breathtaking Cornish views. 

Isle of Anglesey, Wales 
The the small Welsh island of Anglesey, a favourite amongst royals, is home to incredible landscapes and wildlife. With the best beaches stretching for miles and dramatic views, this place truly is a fairytale location. Boat trips are the best way to discover the true Anglesey. From April onwards, you are able to spot puffins, seals, dolphins, and much more. To truly escape reality, you must visit one of the many lighthouses on the Welsh coast and discover the truly magical views the island has to offer.

Northumberland 
Northumberland is a county located in the North East of England. Within this county, there is so much to see and explore: 39 castles, all bursting with character, as well as a walker’s paradise with incredible landscapes and views, creating a wonderful retreat away from reality. The main attraction of this county is one of the world’s most famous wonders, Hadrian’s Wall, built almost 2,000 years ago and stretches over the entire county. Northumberland is also known for its incredibly low levels of light pollution, creating the perfect observatory to admire and spot stars as they light up the sky. 

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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