If you are considering visiting the UK in 2024, there are several popular holiday destinations to explore. The country has top attractions in its lush countryside and buzzy metropolitan areas that attract travellers worldwide.
But your adventure could extend beyond a vacation. The UK has several visa options for long-term stays, with the Family Visa being the best choice if you’re looking to immerse yourself in British life. This pathway also opens up the possibility of making an indefinite leave to remain and even a British citizenship application for a permanent stay.
In this article, we’ll discuss the UK’s top holiday destinations in 2024, but first, let’s explore the exciting possibilities for extending your stay.
How to Stay in the UK Long-Term with the Family Visa
The Family Visa is an excellent option for staying long-term in the UK, particularly if you have close family ties in the country.
This visa allows you to join or remain in the UK with a relative who is a British citizen, settled person in the UK, or has pre-settled status. Note that you must be related to your UK-based family member as their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, dependent child, or adult-dependent relative.
You must also meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally, you must prove your relationship with your relative by submitting documents, such as a marriage or birth certificate. You should also have a clean criminal record and sufficient knowledge of the English language.
Other requirements will vary depending on your relationship with your family member. For instance, if you’re applying as a spouse or partner, you’ll have to demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with your partner. Also, your partner must prove that they earn at least £29,000 annually.
Then, if your application is successful, you can live, work, study, and explore the UK for 33 months. When your visa expires, you can extend its validity for another 30 months. After five years of living in the UK, you can apply for permanent settlement.
After living in the UK as a settled resident for one year, you’ll be able to naturalise as a British citizen. However, if you are the spouse of a British citizen, you can apply for citizenship immediately after you get your permanent residence status.
Other Visa Options for a Long-term Stay in the UK
If you don’t have family in the UK but still wish to stay long-term, there are several other visa options available. Here’s an overview of some popular alternative routes:
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to work in an eligible job with a licenced employer. This visa is ideal if you are a professional with skills that are in high demand in the UK. It offers an initial grant period of up to five years, with the possibility of extension or progression towards permanent settlement.
Innovator Founder Visa
You can apply for the Innovator Founder Visa if you have an innovative business idea that has the potential to generate economic growth and create jobs in the UK. It is initially granted for three years, and afterwards, you can apply for an extension or indefinite leave to remain.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is ideal for you if you are a leader (exceptional talent) or potential leader (exceptional promise) in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology. You’ll be able to get ILR after living in the UK for three or five years, depending on your circumstances.
UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry Visa is for Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK. It offers a route to permanent settlement after five years.
4 Most Popular UK Holiday Destinations for All Season
Cornwall
Cornwall is located in the far southwest of England and is famous for seaside towns like St. Ives and Padstow. If you are a beach lover or surfer, you’ll enjoy these towns’ coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.
In addition to the beautiful beaches, you’ll also find top attractions such as Minack Theatre, St. Michaels Mount, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. This county offers something for you, whether you enjoy surfing, hiking dramatic cliffs, or exploring historical sites.
Lake District
England’s Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for nature lovers. Some popular activities you can indulge in include hiking along scenic trails such as the Coast to Coast Walk and boating on Lake Windermere.
You can also visit towns like Ambleside and Keswick for more outdoor activities. You should know that the Lake District region inspired poets like William Wordsworth and it remains a retreat for artists seeking inspiration.
Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s majestic Highlands gives you a taste of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure.
It features untamed landscapes, including mountains like Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak, and tranquil lochs like Loch Ness. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can hike the West Highland Way and discover historic sites like Urquhart Castle. You’ll also be able to spot wildlife in Cairngorms National Park.
Furthermore, the Highlands gives you a glimpse into Scottish culture through traditional ceilidhs, whisky distilleries in Speyside, and tales of clans and tartans.
London
London is England’s cosmopolitan capital and a global metropolis. It may not be the first place you think of for a vacation, but the city blends history, culture, entertainment, and modernity to offer unique attractions and experiences.
London has iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. It also houses world-class museums, art galleries, renowned theatre productions and a diverse culinary scene. If you want peace from the bustling city, you can nest in green spaces like the Royal Botanic Garden, Whitehall Gardens, and The Hill Garden and Pergola.
Conclusion
The UK has some of the best holiday destinations worldwide, with options for a quiet countryside retreat, a vibrant city adventure, or a historical exploration. If you’re captivated by the UK’s charm and wish to stay for more than a short adventure, there are several long-term visas you can apply for, with the Family Visa being an excellent option.