The popularity of the ‘staycation’ is continuing to rise as Brits become more and more aware of the amazing holiday destinations on their doorsteps - and Easter is the perfect time to take a break closer to home.

There are so many locations in the UK that are just perfect for a holiday - whether you’re after a city break, a high-octane active holiday or even a beach. So where is the best location for you to head to this Easter?

Lake District: Scenery for the soul

With stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for gorgeous hikes in the spring sunshine, the Lake District is a perfect Easter holiday spot. If you’re city dwellers the stunning surrounds - including 12 of the largest lakes in England and 3,500km of rights of way - could be just what your soul needs to recover from the bleak first quarter of the year.

Walking and climbing holidays are the reason so many people head to the Lake District, but there are plenty of other things to do there too, from fishing, boating and kayaking to discovering the region’s fascinating history and immersing yourself in its quaint culture.

There is a variety of accommodation options too - from cosy cottages and luxury hotels to bed and breakfasts and quirky boutique hotels.

People interested in motoring their way to the Lake District this Easter will find it a simple drive off the M6.

Newquay: Sea, sand and surfing

You don't need to board a plane to enjoy a beach break with so many amazing seaside towns scattered around the UK - and Newquay in Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the very best.

If the weather permits, you may wish to spend your days relaxing on the sand soaking up the springtime sun, with a number of beaches on offer including the town’s iconic Fistral Beach. However, there is a plethora of exciting alternatives to this.

With Newquay being the surfing capital of England, watersports are at the top of the itinerary of many a visitor. If you’re after a high-octane trip you can try kayaking, bodyboarding, diving, coasteering and, of course, surfing, with plenty of schools and instructors available. If you want to keep your feet on dry land there are plenty of options too, from cycling and tennis to paintballing, ATVs and go karting.

So how can you get to this UK holiday paradise? Simply head down the M5! Newquay is fully signposted from the A30.

New Forest: Outdoor activities abound

Traversing the New Forest is an idyllic way to spend springtime, with so much to see and do, all in leafy green surroundings complete with cute ponies.

People who enjoy outdoor activities are perfectly suited to the New Forest, where there are plenty of opportunities to step outside your comfort zone.

Rambling and cycling are both very popular in this area, thanks largely to the National Park’s gorgeous scenery, while horse riding and golf are other common pastimes. Water sports enthusiasts visiting this destination can enjoy sailing or windsurfing on the coastal or inland waters.

The New Forest is located in south-west Hampshire and can be accessed from the M27, the A31, the A36 and the A338.

Torquay: Family fun and educational experiences

Torquay has long been a favourite staycation destination among Brits - and with good reason! If you’ve never visited this idyllic seaside town before you’ll want to consider taking your Easter holiday there. And if you have then no doubt you’ll already be thinking about jumping in the car for a return visit.

As well as boasting some of the best seafood in the country, this English Riviera destination features a variety of fun and educational attractions, making it a perfect vacation location for the whole family. The resort is also known for its excellent bars and restaurants, situated on its vibrant harbour, which provide the perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

People visiting Torquay often take the opportunity to experience one of the boat trips offered there, such as a trip on the Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer, which is the only coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK. Sticking with the nautical theme, holidaymakers can also pay a visit to the National Marine Aquarium, or take in a bracing coastal walk to enjoy the sea view. Other great options include visiting Kents Cavern - a spectacular natural cave - or taking a ride on the retro Seaton tramway.

Sound good? All it takes is a trip down the M5!

Yorkshire Dales: Discover why they call it God’s Own Country

If bracing hikes, hearty pub lunches in front of roaring fires and beautiful scenery sound like your thing then look no further than the Yorkshire Dales for a destination this Easter. Yorkshire is the perfect county for ramblers - not only is the landscape truly breathtaking, but there are plenty of famous attractions to visit along the way.

A visit to the stunning Ingleborough Caves will take your breath away, while literature fans will be delighted by a trip to The Bronte Museum in Haworth and the moors which inspired Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Meanwhile, walkers can enjoy a slice of Yorkshire folklore with a ramble to Janet’s Foss - a fairytale waterfall thought to be named after Jenet, Queen of the Fairies, who is believed to reside in the cave.

As you would expect, there are also plenty of trails for ramblers to enjoy, including Malham Cove and Gordale and the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, while climbing and caving opportunities are plentiful.

The Yorkshire Dales are very accessible by road: the area is bordered by major trunk roads with the M6 skirting the west, the A66 to the north, the A1 to the east and the A65, A59, A629, M62 and M65 to the south.