The Top UK Staycation Spots For Vegans and Vegetarians

With more people switching to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, everybody deserves to eat well on their holidays and it’s no secret that following a vegetarian or vegan diet whilst travelling can sometimes be challenging, especially if you consider yourself a foodie. One of the most exciting parts of travel is the food, but following a specific diet whilst exploring can sometimes be tricky if you’re not sure about what the location offers.

It’s estimated that 7% of the UK population follow a vegetarian diet, and whilst that may not seem like a lot, that’s actually over 5 million people – with a further 4% considering themselves vegan*

Travel experts at loveholidays have revealed which of 2023’s best staycation destinations are the best for vegetarian and vegans who love food, not only looking at the number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants but also how many are rated 4 stars and above. 

So, what is the top UK staycation spot for vegetarians?

Newquay was revealed as the best spot for vegetarians – with 109 vegetarian-friendly restaurants in total, 92% of which were found to be 4 stars and above. This was followed closely by Bournemouth, York and Torquay. London, unsurprisingly, had the highest number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the UK– but only 50% of them were found to be 4 stars and above. Here’s how the rest of the ranking looked…

What’s the best staycation spot for vegans?

Out of their 69 restaurants, 96% of Blackpool’s and Newquay’s vegan-friendly restaurants were found to be 4 stars and above. However, if you prefer a city break – Manchester (95%) and London (94%) followed very closely behind. Followed closely by London and Brighton…

Todd Sinclair, writer and author of the Rebel Vegan Life Trilogy shares his top tips for vegans who love to travel

Todd Sinclair is a writer and speaker, specialising in vegan lifestyle and travel. He’s the bestselling author of the Rebel Vegan trilogy. When the world shut down in 2020, Sinclair used that time to research and write the Rebel Vegan trilogy to show how vegan values are a fundamental way forward to avoid future pandemics, protect animals and the planet, travel sustainably, and take care of our health

Fly Vegan: VGML is the code most airlines use to prepare a vegan meal for your flight.

Find Your Tribe: Connecting with a local vegan scene can help your understanding of the culture and bring the richest rewards. 

Use Social Media: All the big hitters are useful tools; Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, and TikTok advice videos. Everyone should download the Happy Cow app.

Know Accidentally Vegan Dishes and Foods: Most traditional cuisines have dishes that are originally’ vegan—or can easily be veganized—dishes.

Shop Like a Local: If you find yourself somewhere with limited vegan dishes on offer, explore the grocery stores and markets. Stock up on local fruits and trail mixes to keep as snacks.

For Foreign Language Destinations: Learn key phrases and prepare vegan food cards stating exactly what a vegan diet entails and excludes. Slip it in your wallet or keep on your phone for the consideration of waiting and hotel staff. 

Stay Calm & Vegan On: Travelling vegan can add another layer of challenge. But these bumps in the road can lead to growth and self-discovery and often make the best travel stories to take home! 

*Vegetarian and Vegan statistics taken from https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997894/diets-and-nutrition-in-the-uk | Photography by Annie Spratt