Everyone is encouraged to holiday at home this year and, with the constantly-changing green, amber and red lists, staycations are more popular than ever as destinations abroad remain inaccessible for many.

With such high demand, much accommodation and many excursions are already fully booked or subject to huge fees.

Experts within the UK travel industry give their tips on securing a last-minute getaway for a great price.

Gavin Ellis from Knockomie Inn, near Inverness, reveals some lesser-known destinations.

He said: “There are destinations across Britain that instantly come to mind when we think of staycations. Beautiful Cornwall, Norfolk and the Lake District are all established in the UK tourism market.

“Yet there are some secret locations yet to be discovered.

“One is Knockomie Inn, Forres, Moray Speyside. Moray Speyside is located 20 miles east of Inverness. With low rainfall and long summer daylight hours, this luxury Highlands destination has much to offer.

“You’ll find coastal walks with craggy rock faces and caves to explore. There’s an abundance of wildlife including dolphins and seals. The stunning village of Findhorn with its sheltered bay and small fishing villages such as Burghead and Cullen. There’s also the Bow Fiddle Rock near Portknockie.

“Inland, the Malt Whisky Trail gives the discerning Scotch drinker the chance to see their favourite distilleries in operation and sample whiskies from the the likes of Glenfiddich, Cardhu and the Glenlivet. http://maltwhiskytrail.com/

“Discover the most amazing wool mill at Knockando. It has existed for over 225 years and featured in the BBC documentary series Restoration. https://www.kwc.co.uk/

“A golfer’s paradise, with Castle Stewart, Nairn and the Moray Old Course at Lossiemouth. These are all famous in their own right but there are equally good lesser-known courses at Hopeman and Forres.

“Bikers travel from all over to take advantage of the Moray Monster Trails https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/moray-monster-trails

“For when the weather doesn’t permit a visit to the gorgeous beaches at Roseisle or Lossiemouth, head into Elgin for the delightful shops there. Johnston’s of Elgin produce the most stunning cashmere and Gordon and MacPhail attracts whisky lovers from the world over.

“The beautiful Brodie Castle is just outside Forres. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle

“Cawdor Castle is renowned as the setting of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. https://www.cawdorcastle.com/

“Gordon Castle at Fochabers has recently restored its amazing walled garden.

Garden

“Close to Knockomie Inn is the delightful Logie Estate which invites you to discover the Logie Steading with a wonderful gallery, gardens and walks. https://www.logie.co.uk/

“40 minutes west from Forres, Jacobite Cruises will give you the opportunity to search for the internationally-famous Loch Ness Monster https://www.jacobite.co.uk/

“Knockomie Inn is a magnificent four-star inn located in Forres. It still has pockets of availability over the summer and autumn and we would love to share Moray Speyside with you.

“The inn has 15 spacious rooms and utilises the larder of the highlands and secrets of the stills from the nearby distilleries.”

Anaa Karina Araque from Imagine Experiences, London, says:

“Everyone seems to be trying to make their way to seaside and countryside destinations where accommodation is running low and prices are running high. They forget that London is opening up and there are thousands of events happening already.

“Imagine Experiences has loads of opportunities to have fun in our own back yards. These are wide-ranging, affordable and Covid-secure.

“The availability of these events is limited but some spaces remain.

“One event we are still taking bookings for is the Sword and the Crown Experience to take place at the Royal Horse Guards Parade in London on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of July.

“Come to this event held at the majestic surroundings of the Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the reopening of London with this glorious day out.