the cost of insurance ror me on forign land is much lower than you , like you I need to cross water , to sunny Jersey , 12 days insurance is £34

you are correct that the UK has some nice spots , however I find it less stressful (and in some cases cheaper) using couch holiday rather than agro and cost of self drive
for example 5 days in scarbro , inc 2 daytrips , staying at nice hotel was about £450 , nearest self drive (no daytrips) was over £400 , fuel alone would have exceeded £50

3 more trips this year (whilst I can) , jersey for 8 nights , june 14th ,, scotland (east coast side) 5 nights 21/09 and finally to end the year , 4 nights(inc new year) in torquey 29/12

next year will be a long break in southern ireland , if I am able to